Shoe-throwing Iraqi journo pleads for leniency

Baghdad: The Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at US President Bush is saying sorry. Muntadhar Al Zaidi has written a letter of apology, says the Iraqi government.

Government spokesman Al Majeed told CNN the journalist has said that no excuse would suffice for his ugly act and has pleaded for leniency.

He has also asked the Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki for some fatherly compassion.

The spokesman said it's too early to say if the Prime Minister will exonerate him, because the case is still with the judicial authorities.

Zaidi is currently in detention. Many Iraqis are rallying for his release and calling Al Zaidi a hero, for throwing his shoes at US President Bush at a press conference.