NY judge tosses case of protester's unthrown shoe

[February 24, 2009]  NEW YORK (AP) -- A judge has tossed a disorderly conduct charge against a protester accused of trying to hurl his shoe at a New York transit official.

Police grabbed Queens resident Steve Millies before he was able to take off his shoe. His lawyer says Millies only wanted to bare his sole -- not throw the shoe at the chief executive of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

On Monday, Judge Marc Whiten in Midtown Community Court sided with the defendant. Defense lawyer Julie Fry said Millies intended "a symbolic gesture" that's considered an insult in some parts of the world.

The protest at a Dec. 17 hearing on transit and toll hikes came three days after an Iraqi journalist threw both his shoes at then-President George W. Bush in Baghdad.

[Associated Press]

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