Pictured: Erected by Iraqis, the 3m-high 'sole-ful' tribute to Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at Bush

Pictured: Erected by Iraqis, the 3m-high 'sole-ful' tribute to Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at Bush

By Eddie Wrenn
Last updated at 9:01 AM on 30th January 2009

One of the most enduring moments of the dying days of George Bush's presidency has now been immortalised as a giant monument.

Iraqi journalist Muntazer al-Zaidi hurled his shoe at the former U.S. president during a press conference at the Prime Minister's Palace in Baghdad, shouting: 'This is for the widows and orphans and all those killed in Iraq'.

The moment was captured on camera and broadcast around the world, provoking cheers throughout the Middle East, chuckles throughout most of the West, and even an online computer game.


Putting the boot in: The tribute to journalist Muntazer al-Zaidi, who hurled his shoes at George Bush on his farewell visit to Iraq

Now fans of the irate journalist's actions have shown their appreciation, erecting a giant shoe in Tikrit, the hometown of executed dictator Saddam Hussein, which lies 95 miles outside Baghdad.

The statue stands three metres high, sitting on top a giant pedestal, and a tree has been planted inside the heel, with a rose-bush growing alongside.

It stands in the gardens of an Iraqi foundation that cares for children whose parents have died since the U.S. invasion began in 2003.


Presidential duck: George Bush shows lightning-quick reactions as he dodges the first shoe during a news conference with Iraq Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki


The statue stands three metres tall and stands outside an Iraqi orphan foundation

A member for the centre said: 'This is a gift for the family of Muntazer al-Zaidi, a hero, whose act helped Iraqi people feel proud.'

Zaidi hurled his shoes during Bush's farewell visit to Iraq on December 14, an action considered a grave insult in the Arab world.

The 29-year-old journalist for Al-Baghdadia television also shouted: 'It is the farewell kiss, you dog'.

The surprisingly nimble Bush seemed to take an almost joyful glee in ducking the boots and laughed the episode off - while the journalist was instantly arrested and allegedly beaten up by bodyguards.


Girls walk past the shoe sculpture in Tikrit

His actions were hailed across the Arab world, and gave Zaidi instant fame as the moment was replayed over and over again on news channels and over the internet - becoming a popular meme with hundreds of tribute or spoof videos appearing on YouTube and other video-sharing sites.

The popularity of his actions throughout the Muslim world - especially in Iraq - threw the stated American purpose of liberating Iraq through the war into an uncomfortable light.

The journalist was arrested and charged with 'aggression against a foreign head of state during an official visit', and he faces up to 15 years in jail if offended. He is believed to have requested political asylum in Switzerland.

The foundation's president, Shaha al-Juburi, insisted that the sculpture was not backed by any political party or organisation.

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1132130/Pictured-Erected-Iraqis-3m-high-sole-ful-tribute-Iraqi-journalist-threw-shoes-Bush.html