Journalist who hurled his shoe at George W. Bush in 2008 screaming 'this is your farewell kiss, you dog' is standing for parliament in Iraq
- Muntadhar al-Zaidi hurled shoe during a press conference in Baghdad in 2008
- George W. Bush ducked to avoid the footwear and reporter al-Zaidi was arrested
- He spent nine months in jail and was hailed as a hero by anti-US campaigners
- Now 39, he has returned to the country and is running in parliamentary elections
A journalist who gained worldwide fame after hurling his shoes at George W. Bush is standing for parliament in Iraq.
Muntadhar al-Zaidi launched the extraordinary attack on the former US president during a press conference in Baghdad in December 2008, in response to the US invasion of Iraq.
Al-Zaidi, 39, was sentenced to three years in jail for his actions - but spent nine months behind bars and was hailed as a hero by anti-US campaigners after his release.
Bush managed to avoid being struck by the f lying shoe and al-Zaidi was bundled to the floor amid chaotic scenes that were seen around the world.
Nearly ten years on al-Zaidi is contesting Iraqi parliamentary elections, due to take place on May 12, CNN reports.
Iraqi journalist Al-Zaidi, who gained worldwide fame after hurling his shoes at George W. Bush (pictured) is standing for parliamentary elections - and wants to lead the country
Television journalist Muntadhar al-Zaidi launched the extraordinary attack (pictured) on the former US president during a press conference in December 2008 in response to the US invasion of Iraq
Bush managed to avoid being struck by the flying shoe and al-Zaidi was bundled to the floor amid chaotic scenes that were seen around the world
Nearly ten years on al-Zaidi (pictured) is contesting Iraqi parliamentary elections, due to take place on May 12
Hurling a shoe at someone is considered an insult in Arab culture.
Footage of the incident shows al-Zaidi screaming 'This is your farewell kiss, you dog!' as he threw the footwear.
'This is from the widows, the orphans and those who were killed in Iraq,' he added, his anger stemming from the US invasion of Iraq in 2003.
Bush was unhurt but was forced to duck twice to avoid being hit and his undignified actions got wall-to-wall coverage for days.
Al-Zaidi is now using the infamous 2008 protest to boost his campaign.
Al-Zaidi was sentenced to three years in jail for his actions - but spent nine months behind bars and was hailed as a hero by anti-US campaigners after his release
Iraqi officials in the northern city of Tikrit share a laugh as they unveil a bronze shoe monument representing the one thrown by Iraqi journalist Muntazer al-Zaidi
He told CNN: 'I don't have any issue with America or Americans. My only issue is with the former president George W. Bush. He occupied my country and he killed my people.
'If I become the prime minister of Iraq or the president then the first thing I will do is to ask the United States of America to officially apologise to all Iraqis, to compensate the victims and hold former president George W. Bush accountable.'
Al-Zaidi reportedly returned to Iraq in March having been living in Beirut, Lebanon.
He has vowed to support 'oppressed people' and promised to 'be against oppressors'.
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