Paying a Heavy Price for Throwing Footwear

Al-Zaidi became an instant hero among those of us who have long wanted to hurl something at Bush's thick head. Now he could use our help:

While Tweety fussed about the propriety of Al Zaida’s shoe throw just now, very credible reports started to come in from Arabic sources that Muntader Al Zaida is in very bad shape:

Raed in the Middle reports:

Albaghdadia, the TV channel where the Iraqi Journalist Montather Al-Zeidi works, reports that an Iraqi MP (Ms. Zainab Al-Kanani) informed them that Montather’s hand was broken in jail.

This confirms a lot of reports and rumors about Montather being subject to torture while the Iraqi authorities are interrogating and detaining him in some unspecified location.

From Roads to Iraq:

Iraqi TV al-Sharqiya just reported on the news that AL-Zaidi is transferred to Camp Cropper prison [the Airport prison, managed by the American forces].

The TV Channel announced that Al-Zaidi is in a difficult condition, with broken ribs and signs of tortures on his thighs. Also he can not move his right arm.

[snip]

Urgent appeals for Al Zaida's safety should be made by phone to the White House - 202-456-1111 and the Iraqi Embassy - (202) 742-1600.

I wish I could hope that being transferred to a prison managed by Americans meant he'd get proper care and treatment. There was a time, not too long ago, when that would never have been in question.

At least we can let them know we're watching.