Dutch anti-Islam MP goes on trial for hate speech

Dutch anti-Islam MP Geert Wilders, set to become a shadow partner of the next coalition government, goes on trial in Amsterdam on Monday for inciting hatred against Muslims.

The controversial politician with his signature shock of blonde-dyed hair risks up to a year in jail or a 7,600-euro fine, according to prosecutors, for calling Islam "fascist".

"This is about freedom of speech," Wilders' lawyer Bram Moszkowicz told AFP.

"My client believes that in the Netherlands, one must be able to say whatever one wants, barring incitement to violence."

Wilders, 47, will stand trial on five charges of giving religious offence to Muslims and inciting hatred and discrimination against Muslims and people of non-western immigrant origin, particularly Moroccans.

The target of death threats, Wilders enjoys 24-hour state-sponsored protection while pursuing his mission to "stop the Islamisation of the Netherlands".  

He campaigns for a stop to Muslim immigration, banning the construction of new mosques, and a tax on headscarves.
Among the exhibits is Wilders' 17-minute film, "Fitna", alleged to depict Islam as a force bent on destroying the West and whose screening in the Netherlands in 2008 prompted protests in much of the Muslim world.

Ever defiant, Wilders "is of the opinion that he did not say anything punishable," Moszkowicz said.

Wilders, who was temporarily banned from Britain last year on race hate grounds, is expected to elaborate on this theme when he addresses judge Jan Moors from the dock of the Amsterdam district court on Monday morning.

The court will hear evidence on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, followed by the prosecution's penalty request the following week.
Wilders will plead on October 19, and judgment is expected on November 4, according to a programme provided by the court.

No witnesses will testiey. The evidence of three experts for the prosecution was submitted in writing, while Wilders' three witnesses, said to be "experts on Islam", were heard by an examining judge behind closed doors.
In June 2008, the prosecuting service dismissed dozens of complaints against Wilders from around the country, citing his right to freedom of speech.
 

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