A NEWPORT woman has spoken out against the treatment of an Iraqi friend who threw his shoes at President George Bush.

Helen Williams, 40, of Malpas, met Muntadar al-Zaidi when she was working as a volunteer in Iraq in 2003.

She said since his arrest, Mr Zaidi has had no access to his family or to a solicitor.

Mrs Williams added: “People cannot get in touch with him in his cell. I think it’s really bad. President Bush said there are no hard feelings but he should ensure Mr Zaidi that he is released without harm.”

Mr Zaidi, 28, threw his shoes at the American president and called him a dog during a Baghdad press conference on Sunday which was part of the president’s farewell visit to Iraq.

Mr Zaidi has been remanded in custody while investigations are carried out.

Mrs Williams said the most President Bush would have got is a bruise whereas Mr Zaidi has ended up with a broken arm and possibly a broken leg.

She said: “We just want to see him have access to a solicitor and his family.”