Iraqi Judge: Shoe-Tosser Was Beaten

The Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at President Bush was beaten afterward and had bruises on his face and around his eyes, a judge said today. Judge Dhia al-Kinani, the magistrate investigating the incident, said the court has opened an investigation into the treatment of Muntadhar al-Zaidi. "We will write an official letter asking for the names of those who assaulted him," the judge said. "Al-Zeidi has the right to drop this case."

Security forces wrestled him to the ground after he threw his shoes, and conflicting claims on his condition have emerged since then. One of his brothers said he was harshly beaten, but another said he seemed to be in good condition. He remains in custody and is expected to face charges of insulting a foreign leader. A conviction could bring a sentence of two years in prison.