Bush shoe man 'not after asylum'

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The brother of the Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at US President George W Bush has denied media reports stating he is seeking asylum in Switzerland.

Dargham al-Zaidi told the BBC he had not instructed a Geneva-based lawyer to write to the Swiss foreign ministry on behalf of his brother, Muntadar.

Earlier, the lawyer told the Tribune de Geneve that Muntadar al-Zaidi feared for his safety in his Baghdad prison.

Mauro Poggia also said Mr Zaidi would be unable to resume his job in Iraq.

Mr Zaidi, 29, launched his news conference attack at the US president, who ordered the invasion of Iraq in 2003, with the words: "This is a farewell kiss, you dog".

Since his arrest, the TV journalist has reportedly been beaten in custody, suffering a broken arm, broken ribs and internal bleeding.

'Human rights violations'

In an interview with the Tribune de Geneve on Monday, Mr Poggia said he had been contacted by Mr Zaidi's family and was drafting a letter to the Swiss foreign ministry requesting its assistance in granting him political asylum.

Mr Zaidi said he was acting to avenge Iraqi widows and orphans

"Even if many Iraqis support his act, he is at the mercy of all kinds of extremists," he said. "His life could become hell in his own country."

But Mr Zaidi's older brother, Dargham, later rejected the statement.

He told the BBC that the family was in the process of filing a lawsuit against Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki and Mr Bush, claiming Mr Zaidi's human rights had been violated - citing his imprisonment and physical beatings while in jail.

Mr Zaidi's family are also waiting for a decision from the Iraqi judiciary on whether he can be represented by a lawyer of his choice, or whether the courts will appoint a lawyer on his behalf.

A decision is expected after this month's provincial elections.

Mr Zaidi is charged with aggression against a foreign head of state, and faces up to 15 years in jail if convicted. His family denies he has done anything wrong.