Oh gee, yesterday the word was that Baghdad Shoe Hurler Muntader al-Zaidi could face seven years in prison. But then George W. Bush called for mercy, and now his possible sentence has doubled:

"The Baghdad reporter who hurled his shoes at President Bush was warned yesterday he could be charged with attempted murder - and face up to 15 years in jail."

Tough but fair. The Iraqi authorities also say the "rumors" that al-Zaidi was beaten all to hell are "baseless." They then went back inside to beat him with rubber hoses, which leave no marks. [NYP; pic via]

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