Free Muntazir Az Zaydi

To:  President Bush, Al-Baghdadiyyah

George Bush's farewell speech in Iraq was interrupted by Iraq Journalist Muntazir Az Zaydi brought the proceedings to a momentary standstill when he threw both of his shoes at the President, saying in Arabic "This is the Farewell Kiss from the Iraqis, O Dog.", and dedicating his act to the "widows, the orphans and those killed in Iraq". There has been a lot of buzz on the net over the incident, and many around the world, who have long opposed the war against Iraq have enjoyed Mr. Az Zaydi's act of defiance. Throwing shoes is an Arabic expression of contempt. Shoes are not WMD. In fact, they are not stones, not arrows, not knives or swords or guns or IEDs. They are just shoes.
It was a symbolic act similar to acts by American activists. The difference is, that according to Mr. Az Zaydi's family and friends, he has disappeared. I fear to think that while we enjoy passing around his message, Mr. Muntazir is being tortured in a prison in Iraq. This is unacceptable. If George Bush wants to pat himself on the back for bringing 'Democracy' to Iraq, then now is the time to prove it. Protect Iraqi rights to free speech. We demand that George Bush immediately have Muntazir Az Zaydi released from prison.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The Free Muntazir Az Zaydi Petition to President Bush, Al-Baghdadiyyah was created by and written by Judith Bello (judith@papillonweb.net).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.