Iraq Shoe Thrower Tortured by Government Officials in Prison

Muntadar al-Zaidi threw his shoes at George W Bush last year as a sign of protest. Photo by happyvalleynews.files.wordpress.com

The Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at former US President George W Bush says he was tortured by senior government officials while in jail.

Shortly after his release from nine months in a Baghdad prison, Muntadar al-Zaidi said he wanted an apology - and would name the officials later.

His relatives say the 30-year-old reporter still fears for his life, the BBC reported Tuesday.

His protest last December made him a hero among many Arabs, but he was jailed for assaulting a foreign leader.

Initially sentenced to three years in jail, he had the term reduced to 12 months on appeal and was released three months early for good behaviour.