The trial began before the Central Criminal Court of Iraq on February 20, 2009, which only lasted 90 minutes[1] before being recessed.[96] In testimony before the court, al-Zaidi described his growing frustration as Bush spoke about his victories and achievement at the press conference where the shoe was thrown. As Bush listed the gains made in Iraq during the mid-December news conference, al-Zaidi said he was thinking about the sanctity of mosques being violated, the rape of women, and daily humiliations.[97] Al-Zaidi said Bush's "bloodless and soulless smile" and his joking banter provoked him.