GENEVA: Iraqi journalist Muntadar Al-Zaidi who hurled his shoes at US President George W. Bush was given a hero’s welcome in Geneva on Monday far warmer than the subdued reception in his own homeland.
“I am one of the victims of the occupation,” Al-Zaidi said at a press conference alongside two local politicians, repeating his allegations that he was severely tortured, including with electric shocks, during his nine months of Iraqi detention.
He pledged to decline all gifts from wealthy Arabs until he sets up a foundation to support suffering Iraqis and said he was visiting Switzerland and other countries with financial support from friends.
Al-Zaidi was released three months early for good behavior, and, with the help of his Geneva lawyer, obtained a tourist visa for Switzerland.
