Iraqi shoe thrower to be released

BAGHDAD, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- The Iraqi journalist who became world famous for throwing his shoes at former U.S. President George W. Bush can expect a hero's welcome when he is freed.

The al-Baghdadia television channel, where Muntazer al-Zaidi worked, has built him a new house, The Guardian reports. Someone has given him a new car, and money and gifts have been pouring in to al-Baghdadia.

Zaidi is scheduled to be released Monday after serving nine months.

"He is a David and Goliath figure," said Salah al-Janabi, a Baghdad linen salesman, told the British newspaper. "When the history books are written, they will look back on this episode with great acclaim. Al-Zaidi's shoes were his slingshot."

Maitham al-Zaidi, the shoe thrower's younger brother, said he expected a quick death when he acted. Bush was able to duck -- a picture now appearing on T-shirts and wall posters.

"He thought the secret service was going to shoot him," Maitham said. "He expected that, and he was not afraid to die."