$10,000,000 for the shoe thrown at Presiden Bush
Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2008 1:58 pmIn English
Middle East: Saudi offers $10 mln for shoe thrown at Bush
Dubai, 16 Dec. (AKI) - Wealthy Saudi Hasan Muhammad Makhafa has offered 10 million dollars for one of the shoes thrown by an Iraqi TV journalist at outgoing US President George W. Bush during a press conference in Baghdad on Sunday. Many in the Arab world have hailed the journalist, Montazer al-Zaidi, as a hero and rallies took place in Iraq on Monday calling for his release from custody.
Makhafa told Dubai-based Arabic satellite TV station Al-Arabiya that al-Zaidi's shoes were "a symbol of freedom not just footwear."
"They represent a victory for those who have disgraced the Arabs by occupying their lands and killing innocent people," he said.
"For me, one of those shoes has more value than my lands and property. I want to bequest it to my children," said Makhafa.
He said he would be able to re-sell the shoe for far more money, but does not intend to do so.
Makhafa, who is also an elementary school teacher from the southern Saudi province of Asir, said he has received offers of further cash from fellow tribesmen and other Saudi citizens, should he need it.
The incident in which al-Zaidi also hurled insults at Bush, was broadcast across the world. Iraqi officials have described it as shameful.
Officials at the Iraqi-owned TV station, Al-Baghdadiya, for which al-Zaidi worked, have called for the release of their journalist, saying he was exercising freedom of expression.
The Iraqi government has demanded an on-air apology from Al-Baghdadiya.
Source: http://www.adnkronos.com/AKI/English/Po ... 2819245224
In Arabic: http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2008/12/15/62070.html
Middle East: Saudi offers $10 mln for shoe thrown at Bush
Dubai, 16 Dec. (AKI) - Wealthy Saudi Hasan Muhammad Makhafa has offered 10 million dollars for one of the shoes thrown by an Iraqi TV journalist at outgoing US President George W. Bush during a press conference in Baghdad on Sunday. Many in the Arab world have hailed the journalist, Montazer al-Zaidi, as a hero and rallies took place in Iraq on Monday calling for his release from custody.
Makhafa told Dubai-based Arabic satellite TV station Al-Arabiya that al-Zaidi's shoes were "a symbol of freedom not just footwear."
"They represent a victory for those who have disgraced the Arabs by occupying their lands and killing innocent people," he said.
"For me, one of those shoes has more value than my lands and property. I want to bequest it to my children," said Makhafa.
He said he would be able to re-sell the shoe for far more money, but does not intend to do so.
Makhafa, who is also an elementary school teacher from the southern Saudi province of Asir, said he has received offers of further cash from fellow tribesmen and other Saudi citizens, should he need it.
The incident in which al-Zaidi also hurled insults at Bush, was broadcast across the world. Iraqi officials have described it as shameful.
Officials at the Iraqi-owned TV station, Al-Baghdadiya, for which al-Zaidi worked, have called for the release of their journalist, saying he was exercising freedom of expression.
The Iraqi government has demanded an on-air apology from Al-Baghdadiya.
Source: http://www.adnkronos.com/AKI/English/Po ... 2819245224
In Arabic: http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2008/12/15/62070.html
