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For Immediate Release
Contact:

Medea Benjamin, CODEPINK co-founder, 415-235-6517
Blaine Clarke, CODEPINK DC, 757-870-0691

On War anniversary TODAY, CODEPINK Calls for Shoe-Thrower's Release, Demand Arrest of True War Criminal: George W. Bush

WASHINGTON

On the sixth anniversary of the disastrous Iraq War, members of the
women's peace group CODEPINK and other activists will gather TODAY outside
the Iraqi embassy here and call for the release of Muthader al-Zaidi,
the Iraqi journalist sentenced to three years in prison last week for
throwing his shoes at Pres. Bush, and the arrest of Bush.

WHAT: CODEPINK to call for al-Zaidi's release and arrest of true war criminal, Pres. Bush, on war anniversary
WHEN: 10 a.m. TODAY - March 19
WHERE: Outside Iraqi Embassy, 1801 P Street, NW

With creative posters and banners, the women will highlight the
irony of the sentence so close to the war anniversary: al-Zaidi was
jailed for "insulting" Bush at a Baghdad press conference, while Bush,
who lied to the world six years ago to launch an economy-draining,
illegal war of "shock and awe" that has killed 4,000 Americans and more
than 1 million innocent Iraqis, walks free.

"It's outrageous that al-Zaidi could get two years in prison for
insulting George Bush, when Bush is directly responsible for the death
and displacement of millions," said Medea Benjamin, co-founder of
CODEPINK. "The one who should be in jail is George Bush, and he should
be charged with war crimes."

CODEPINK is a women-led grassroots organization working to end U.S. wars and militarism, support peace and human rights initiatives, and redirect our tax dollars into healthcare, education, green jobs and other life-affirming programs.

(818) 275-7232