Bush shoe thrower goes on trial

The reporter faces up to 15 years in prison if he is found guilty of assaulting a foreign leader,the charge levelled against him by prosecutors for the dramatic gesture that was hailed across the Arab world.

Zaidi arrived in the courtroom wearing an Iraqi-flag tied round his neck as a scarf,khaki-coloured jacket and a black shirt.

High security measures were in place,with cars being checked and all electronic equipment being taken off people heading into the hearing.

It is a historic test for the Iraqi justice system, one of the journalist8217;s brothers,Uday Zaidi,said outside the court.

If he is released it will show that the justice system is independent and he will be a hero. But if he is condemned it will bring shame on the system.8221;