Iraqi shoe thrower released from prison

Muntazer al-Zaidi is kissed on the cheek by his uncle as he arrives at al-Baghdadia TV studios Photograph: Ahmad al-Rubaye/AFP/Getty Images

14 December 2008: Zaidi hurls a shoe at George Bush during a new conference in Baghdad Photograph: Evan Vucci/AP

Bush ducks the shoe while the Iraqi prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki, looks on Photograph: APTN/AP

December 2008: Iraqis raise their shoes as hundreds demand Zaidi's release Photograph: Alaa al-Marjani/AP

Zaidi's attack inspired an online game called Sock and Awe Photograph: sockandawe.com

A replica of Zaidi's shoe, made by Baydan Shoes in Turkey and branded as the Bye Bye Bush Photograph: Martin Argles

A statue in Tikrit built to commemorate Zaidi's actions. The sign reads 'Muntazer is fasting until the sword breaks his fast with blood, silent until our mouths speak the truth' Photograph: Sabah al-Bazee/Reuters

Surrounded by the press, Zaidi arrives at al-Baghdadia studios after his release from prison Photograph: Khalil al-Murshidi/AFP/Getty Images

Zaidi embraces his sister Photograph: Mohammed Ameen/Reuters

Sheep slaughtered prior to Zaidi's arrival at al-Baghdadia studios Photograph: KHALIL AL-MURSHIDI/AFP/Getty Images