Shoe-Thrower Tortured Into Writing Apology

Muntadar al-Zaidi, now famous for throwing his shoes at George W. Bush during a press conference in Iraq, was tortured into writing a letter of apology to the American president, his brother told the Guardian today. Zaidi has allegedly suffered cigarette burns to his ears, is missing a tooth, and was doused with cold water while naked by Iraqi police.

Zaidi, who “has no regret and … would do it again,” his brother said, plans to sue the government for the alleged abuse. The prime minister’s office said last week Zaidi had written the letter in a request for a pardon, and said a “known terrorist” put him up to the stunt. Zaidi’s trial begins Dec. 31. (More shoes stories.)