Mr Muntadhar Al Zaidi is aged 29, is single, and lives in Baghdad. He is a journalist, acting as correspondent for the private Iraqi television channel Baghdadia. For this reason, he was present at the press conference held by the President of the United States George W. Bush, who was on a surprise visit to Iraq that day.

It is on this occasion that Mr Al Zaidi, in reaction to the statements made by the former, threw his shoes in the President's direction, shouting, "this is a farewell kiss, you dog!"

Mr Al Zaidi was immediately arrested by the Security Services and taken to an unknown destination. This arrest was conducted in a particularly violent way and was able to be filmed by the cameramen present. The images of the incident and the arrest are available on the Web[http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=i7xTD2VYfD4&feature=related]. Immediately after his arrest, his family attempted to determine the location of his detention, but without success.

According to the information supplied by Mr Al Zaidi's family to Alkarama, they have not been authorized to visit him, and he has not been able to meet a lawyer. His family does not know where he is at present, and which authority is detaining him.

A spokesperson of the Supreme Council of the Magistrate affirmed that Mr Al Zaidi was presented to an investigating judge on 19 December and that he would remain detained until the judge had completed his investigation. His relatives have nevertheless not had confirmation of the existence of a legal procedure started against him and do not know before which magistrate he was presented. See article.

The detained journalist's family has nevertheless learned from several witnesses that he suffers from serious injuries inflicted after his arrest. In particular, he would appear to have broken ribs, a fractured hand and injuries to the eye and the thigh.

Mr Al Zaidi's relatives are particularly concerned that he could be victim to acts of torture and humane and degrading treatment, concerns all the more justified as he remains in incommunicado detention without being able to contact the outside world.

The treatment which Mr Al Zaidi has suffered is unfortunately not an isolated case. The practice of torture remains widely spread in the country, a practice which is encouraged by the total impunity of its authors and those in a position of responsibility, as much by Iraqis as by members of the foreign occupation forces.