CRI听力：Iraq to Hold Trial for Shoe-Throwing Journalist Soon

An Iraqi lawyer says the trial will soon open for Muntadhar al-Zeidi, the shoe-throwing journalist who targetted former US President George W. Bush.

Dhia al-Saadi, head of the Iraqi Lawyers Union and member of the defence team said they would request the journalist be released on bail.(www.hXen.com)

"February 19 was outlined as the date for al-Zeidi's trial to review this issue. Consequently we as the defence team can make a demand to release him on bail. But the item of referral might preclude his release under bail. So we are awaiting the date of the trial to show all our legal defences in a manner that ensures his release and repossession of his missing freedom."

The lawyer revealed that the journalist will face the charge of assaulting a foreign leader, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

The 30-year old journalist has been in custody since the December 14 outburst at Bush's joint news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

The case became a focus for Iraqis and others in the Muslim world who resent the US invasion and occupation.

Thousands demonstrated for al-Zeidi's release and hailed his gesture, which came in the waning days of the Bush administration.