Iraq shoe-thrower trial postponed

8220;The Supreme Criminal Court decided to postpone the trial of journalist Muntazer al-Zaidi until the higher court issues its decision,8221; he said, adding that a new trial date would be set later.

The 29-year-old journalist for the Al-Baghdadia television channel had been due to appear in court this Wednesday on charges of 8216;aggression against a foreign head of state during an official visit8217;.

He faces up to 15 years in jail if convicted.

Zaidi8217;s lawyer, Dhiya al-Saadi, said that he had requested that the trial be cancelled because his client8217;s actions fell within his constitutional rights to express himself freely.

8220;Our appeal is based on the fact that Zaidi simply expressed his rejection of the occupation and the policy of repression against Iraqis. Zaidi8217;s action falls within the framework of freedom of expression,8221; his lawyer said earlier this week.

8220;If the court rejects our request for cancellation, the defence will appeal to a higher court,8221; Saadi said.

Zaidi threw his shoes at Bush during the US president8217;s farewell visit to Iraq on December 14, an action considered a grave insult in the Arab world.

He also insulted the American president, shouting: 8220;It is the farewell kiss, you dog.8221;

His action was hailed across the Arab world as an ideal parting gift to a president widely unpopular in the region.