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Gaza protesters throw shoes at Downing Street
In a copycat expression of Iraqi TV journalist Muntadhar al-Zeidi, over 1000 pairs were hurled at the gates of 10 Downing Street, in a gesture of scorn and anger against the Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip, reports Vijay Dutt.
Throwing shoes at leaders one intensely hates or disagrees with seems to be in vogue since an Iraqi TV journalist, Muntadhar al-Zeidi, tossed a pair of brogues at US President George W. Bush in Baghdad.
In a copycat expression of protest, over 1000 pairs were hurled at the wrought-iron gates of 10, Downing Street, in a gesture of scorn and anger against the Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip.
It is not known whether Prime Minister Gordon Brown was in residence at the time.
In any case, the prime minister’s door is at least 200 yards from the gate.
“One fails to understand why Brown was targeted,” said a passerby. “He has been asking for a ceasefire, in defiance of Washington’s policy.”
Demonstrations here have been staged in London almost every day since the Israeli attacks began.
Over 5000 protesters, comprising mainly British Muslims, gathered near the Israeli Embassy in west London and tried to break the police cordon.
Three were arrested. They burnt Israeli flags and hurled missiles including fireworks at police.
