Amsterdam, NU Online
Far-right lawmaker Geert Wilders will be prosecuted for inciting hatred and discrimination against Muslims, a decision immediately hailed by the Muslim minority. "The contested views of Wilders constitute a criminal offence," Amsterdam Appeal Court said in a written judgement cited by Agence France Presse (AFP) on Wednesday, January 21.
Several organizations and individuals have appealed to the court over the prosecution's refusal to press charges against Wilders for his public anti-Islamic statements.<>
"Mr. Wilders has indeed insulted Islamic worshippers by (attacking) the symbols of the Islamic belief," the court said.
Muslims Rebut Wilders' Film Muslim Calm Vs Dutch Anti- Qur'an Film "The instigation of hatred in a democratic society constitutes such a serious matter (that it is necessary) to draw a clear boundary in the public debate."
Wilders, a far-right lawmaker, is notorious for his attacks against Islam and Muslims.
He released in March 2008 a 15-minute documentary, entitled "Fitna" or sedition in Arabic, accusing the Noble Qur'an of inciting violence.
The documentary drew international condemnation and was blasted by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon as "offensively anti-Islamic".
Wilders, the leader of the far right Freedom Party, had earlier called for banning the Muslim holy book described it as "fascist."
Responsible
Wilders claimed the court's decision marked a "black day" and infringed on his freedom of expression.
But the appeals court stressed that a criminal prosecution and possible conviction would not conflict with Wilders' right to freedom of expression.
"Statements which create hate and grief made by politicians, taking their special responsibility into consideration, are not permitted according to European standards either."
The Labour Party (PvdA), a member of the ruling coalition, welcomed a chance for the courts to make a definitive ruling in "this polarizing debate".
The prosecutor's office in Amsterdam said an indictment detailing charges of hate speech would be drawn up as soon as possible.
"The court of appeal ruled that the case be brought before the district in Amsterdam," said spokesman Otto van der Bijl.
"We would like to do it within a year."
The court's decision was welcomed by Muslims, who make up one million of the Netherlands' 16 million population.
"We are positive that this will contribute to a more respectful tone to the public debate," Nasr Joemann, the secretary general of the umbrella body of Muslim organizations in the Netherlands, told AFP.
"We are part of Dutch society and we want to be treated respectfully." (iol/dar)
Far-right lawmaker Geert Wilders will be prosecuted for inciting hatred and discrimination against Muslims, a decision immediately hailed by the Muslim minority. "The contested views of Wilders constitute a criminal offence," Amsterdam Appeal Court said in a written judgement cited by Agence France Presse (AFP) on Wednesday, January 21.
Several organizations and individuals have appealed to the court over the prosecution's refusal to press charges against Wilders for his public anti-Islamic statements.<>
"Mr. Wilders has indeed insulted Islamic worshippers by (attacking) the symbols of the Islamic belief," the court said.
Muslims Rebut Wilders' Film Muslim Calm Vs Dutch Anti- Qur'an Film "The instigation of hatred in a democratic society constitutes such a serious matter (that it is necessary) to draw a clear boundary in the public debate."
Wilders, a far-right lawmaker, is notorious for his attacks against Islam and Muslims.
He released in March 2008 a 15-minute documentary, entitled "Fitna" or sedition in Arabic, accusing the Noble Qur'an of inciting violence.
The documentary drew international condemnation and was blasted by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon as "offensively anti-Islamic".
Wilders, the leader of the far right Freedom Party, had earlier called for banning the Muslim holy book described it as "fascist."
Responsible
Wilders claimed the court's decision marked a "black day" and infringed on his freedom of expression.
But the appeals court stressed that a criminal prosecution and possible conviction would not conflict with Wilders' right to freedom of expression.
"Statements which create hate and grief made by politicians, taking their special responsibility into consideration, are not permitted according to European standards either."
The Labour Party (PvdA), a member of the ruling coalition, welcomed a chance for the courts to make a definitive ruling in "this polarizing debate".
The prosecutor's office in Amsterdam said an indictment detailing charges of hate speech would be drawn up as soon as possible.
"The court of appeal ruled that the case be brought before the district in Amsterdam," said spokesman Otto van der Bijl.
"We would like to do it within a year."
The court's decision was welcomed by Muslims, who make up one million of the Netherlands' 16 million population.
"We are positive that this will contribute to a more respectful tone to the public debate," Nasr Joemann, the secretary general of the umbrella body of Muslim organizations in the Netherlands, told AFP.
"We are part of Dutch society and we want to be treated respectfully." (iol/dar)
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