Anti-Islam politician in free speech appeal
Source: Agencies |
October 5, 2010, Tuesday
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DUTCH anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders appealed for freedom of expression yesterday, then exercised his right to silence as he went on trial for alleged hate speech at a time when his popularity and influence in the Netherlands are near all-time highs.
Prosecutors say Wilders incited hatred against Muslims with remarks comparing Islam to Nazism and by calling for a ban on the Quran. Wilders argues he has a right to freedom of speech and that his remarks were within the bounds of the law.
"I am a suspect here because I have expressed my opinion as a representative of the people," Wilders told judges at the start of the trial.
"Formally, I'm on trial here today, but with me, the freedom of expression of many Dutch people is also being judged," he said, referring to 1.4 million voters who made his party the country's third-largest in June elections.
If convicted, Wilders could face up to a year in jail, though a fine would be more likely. He could keep his seat in parliament regardless of the outcome.
After defending freedom of speech, Wilders refused to answer questions from judges.
Trial delayed
When presiding judge Jan Moors said it appeared Wilders was "avoiding discussion," Wilders' lawyer, Bram Moszkowicz, said that showed Moors is biased and moved to have him substituted. The move will delay the trial for at least several hours while a panel considers the request.
Wilders waved to supporters as he walked into the courtroom at Amsterdam District Court for a trial scheduled to last seven days.
His Party for Freedom has agreed to support a new conservative Dutch government likely to take office this month. Wilders' allies have promised to carry out much of his anti-immigration agenda.
The Wilders-supported government to be installed as early as this week intends new measures to reduce acceptance of asylum-seekers and cut immigration from non-Western countries in half, notably by making it difficult for foreign spouses or children to join families that have already immigrated and become Dutch citizens.
It also plans to force new immigrants to pay for mandatory citizenship classes.
Convictions for discriminatory remarks are frequent in the Netherlands, but penalties rarely exceed a small fine.
Prosecutors won't rule out dropping charges or demanding no sentence when the trial reaches its final phase.
A verdict is expected on November 4.
Prosecutors say Wilders incited hatred against Muslims with remarks comparing Islam to Nazism and by calling for a ban on the Quran. Wilders argues he has a right to freedom of speech and that his remarks were within the bounds of the law.
"I am a suspect here because I have expressed my opinion as a representative of the people," Wilders told judges at the start of the trial.
"Formally, I'm on trial here today, but with me, the freedom of expression of many Dutch people is also being judged," he said, referring to 1.4 million voters who made his party the country's third-largest in June elections.
If convicted, Wilders could face up to a year in jail, though a fine would be more likely. He could keep his seat in parliament regardless of the outcome.
After defending freedom of speech, Wilders refused to answer questions from judges.
Trial delayed
When presiding judge Jan Moors said it appeared Wilders was "avoiding discussion," Wilders' lawyer, Bram Moszkowicz, said that showed Moors is biased and moved to have him substituted. The move will delay the trial for at least several hours while a panel considers the request.
Wilders waved to supporters as he walked into the courtroom at Amsterdam District Court for a trial scheduled to last seven days.
His Party for Freedom has agreed to support a new conservative Dutch government likely to take office this month. Wilders' allies have promised to carry out much of his anti-immigration agenda.
The Wilders-supported government to be installed as early as this week intends new measures to reduce acceptance of asylum-seekers and cut immigration from non-Western countries in half, notably by making it difficult for foreign spouses or children to join families that have already immigrated and become Dutch citizens.
It also plans to force new immigrants to pay for mandatory citizenship classes.
Convictions for discriminatory remarks are frequent in the Netherlands, but penalties rarely exceed a small fine.
Prosecutors won't rule out dropping charges or demanding no sentence when the trial reaches its final phase.
A verdict is expected on November 4.
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