Democracy on Trial: Geert Wilders Goes To Court (criminal charges for insulting Islam)

Forbes ^ | Oct 3, 2010 | Abigail R. Esman

[PapaBear3625]

It may well become the trial of the century: this week, Dutch MP [Member of Parliament] Geert Wilders stands before the judge on charges of “sowing hate” through his speeches and writings about Islam.

...

For Wilders, however, its timing could not come at a more strategic moment. As the founder and leader of Holland’s far-right Freedom Party (PVV), Wilders is not only Holland’s most controversial politician, but also its most-favored, ranking higher in the polls now than it did after a sweeping victory in parliamentary elections this past June. Moreover, just last week, after months of debate, the Dutch parliament finally settled on a new coalition government that will include support from the PVV under Wilders’ leadership.

[PapaBear3625]

So is he facing a beheading or a firing squad for the glory of Islam?

Per the article that started this thread, he faces up to two years in prison for "inciting racial hatred" or some such. Many European countries instituted such laws after WW2 to prevent new Nazi-like movements, and the Muslims use the laws to go after anybody critical of Islam. Of course, those laws can not be applied against Muslims.

[PapaBear3625]

Glen Beck called Wilders a fascist just for the record....and more.

If Wilders is a fascist, then maybe we need more fascists.

Glenn Beck doesn't spend any time negatively mentioning Islam. Perhaps the large block of stock that that Saudi prince owns is a factor.

[Art in Idaho]

The Dutch are saying enough is enough. The are stripping islam of it's religion front and calling it what it is: a despotic controlling socio-political system bent on total control of the individual and society with total lack of freedom and using religion as a cover. No more!

[Art in Idaho]

From the article: "And so it is not just Wilders whose future is as stake, but that of Western civilization, of the ideals which are our guiding light. Agree with Mr. Wilders’ views or not, one can only hope, then, that the judges whom he faces will uphold his right to speak them; and from the courthouse steps out onto the streets, across the canals of Amsterdam and beyond, that they will defy those who try to silence him, with the sound of freedom ringing."

[ROCKLOBSTER]

criminal charges for insulting Islam

ISLAM IS AN INSULT!

Where do they get off charging him with a "crime" for pushing back against the common enemy of all freedom loving people.

The moslems have freedom of speech but he, a native Hollander, doesn't?

[A'elian' nation]

Go Figure - Glenn Beck calls the ‘Glenn Beck’ of Europe a fascist.

Except for the fact that ‘Glenn Beck Wilders’ is an intellectual and elected politician who fights for his country instead of cries about it.

[PapaBear3625]

Geert Wilders speaks in Berlin about Islam

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks PapaBear3625.

[Art in Idaho]

Geert Wilders speaks in Berlin about Islam. Great link and great speech. Thanks for posting.

[Clintonfatigued]

Aren’t the Muslims a tolerant and pluralistic people?/s

[cookcounty]

Why is it that in the Netherlands (and England), it is a crime to insult Islam but not a crime to insult Christianity?

Are these judges drunk all the time or just most of the time?

[Vanders9]

I haven’t seent the movie, so I can’t really comment on it, but if even telling the truth can be construed as an “insult”, then there really isn’t a lot of hope.

[Vanders9]

Why is it that in the Netherlands (and England), it is a crime to insult Islam but not a crime to insult Christianity?

A cynic might suggest that is because the usual Christian response to insults re their dearly held beliefs is an angry (and often very badly written) letter or email to the offenders, whereas the typical Muslim reaction is to declare a Fatwa against them, shoot them, behead them and blow them (and others) up. In other words, the guiding light is pure fear.

This is a dangerous development, irrespective of your political or religous allegiances. If people get it into their heads that the only (or even the best) way to get what they want is to threaten (or commit) violence, expect more of the same.

[PapaBear3625]

Why is it that in the Netherlands (and England), it is a crime to insult Islam but not a crime to insult Christianity?

Because Christians don't burn the town down, and cause massive losses to corporations overseas operations when they're insulted?

In any event, the trial has started in Holland: Dutch MP rejects hate speech claims:

"I am on trial, but on trial with me is the freedom of expression of many Dutch citizens," Mr Wilders, set to become a shadow partner in the next government, told the Amsterdam district court.

The controversial politician with his trademark shock of dyed blonde hair told the court he was being persecuted for "stating my opinion in the context of public debate", adding: "I can assure you, I will continue proclaiming it."

[PapaBear3625]

I haven’t seent the movie, so I can’t really comment on it, but if even telling the truth can be construed as an “insult”, then there really isn’t a lot of hope.

It's short (17 minutes) but powerful and available on youtube Fitna

[PapaBear3625]

Geert Wilders trial halted as lawyer accuses judge of bias

[Cicero]

Well, it’s well worth a watch. About 15 minutes, and it’s beautifully done. It keeps moving around the web because people are very anxious to exterminate it. But there appears to be a copy of Part I here, and a link to part II.

Worth a watch:

http://livesteaua.com/view/BgQdZgojOFI/fitna-part-1-4-english-geert-wilders/