The Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at former US President George Bush has been released after nine months in prison.
In a defiant address, Muntadhar al-Zeidi accused Iraqi security forces of torturing him with beatings, whippings and electric shocks.
Al-Zeidi's stunning act of protest last December made him a hero for many in the Arab and Muslim worlds, where many blamed Bush for the bloodshed in Iraq.
Protesters waving shoes became a popular symbol in anti-American protests in the months afterward.
But there was little public outpouring for support for al-Zeidi after his release, possibly reflecting a cooling of passions now that US President Barack Obama is in office and American troops have pulled back from Iraq's cities in preparation to withdraw fully by the end of 2011.
After his release, al-Zeida was unrepentant, telling reporters that while he is now free, his country is still "held captive" by US occupation.
"Simply put, what incited me toward confrontation is the oppression that fell upon my people and how the occupation wanted to humiliate my homeland by placing it under its boots," he said, wearing a scarf in the colours of the Iraqi flag draped around his neck.
His protest came on Mr Bush's final visit to Iraq as president, on December 14. At a press conference, al-Zeidi shot up from his chair and hurled his shoes toward Bush at the podium, shouting "this is your farewell kiss, you dog!" and "this is from the widows, the orphans and those who were killed in Iraq."
Mr Bush ducked twice to avoid being hit and was unhurt. Al-Zeidi was wrestled to the ground by journalists and security men.
The protest was a deep embarrassment to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki, who was standing beside Mr Bush.
