Dutch Court Acquits Lawmaker of Hate Speech for Anti-Islam Comments
- Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:38am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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AMSTERDAM (AP) — A Dutch court acquitted populist politician Geert Wilders of hate speech and discrimination Thursday, ruling that his anti-Islam statements, while offensive to many Muslims, fell within the bounds of legitimate political debate.
Presiding judge Marcel van Oosten said Wilders’ claims that Islam is violent by nature, and his calls to halt Muslim immigration and ban the Muslim holy book, the Quran, must be seen in a wider context of debate over immigration policy.
The court said his public statements could not be directly linked to increased discrimination against Dutch Muslims.
Wilders sat stone-faced while the judge read the ruling, but smiled broadly and shook hands with his lawyers after the verdict was announced. He waved to cheering supporters who hugged each other in the public gallery, and grinned as he left the courtroom.
Wilders, one of the most powerful and popular politicians in the Netherlands, was accused of inciting hatred and discrimination against Muslims through numerous public statements, and with insulting them by comparing Islam with Naziism.
“I’m incredibly happy with this acquittal on all counts,” Wilders said outside the courtroom.
“It’s not only an acquittal for me, but a victory for freedom of expression in the Netherlands. Fortunately you‘re allowed to discuss Islam in public debate and you’re not muzzled… An enormous burden has fallen from my shoulders,” he said.
Groups that filed the complaints against Wilders that ultimately led to his prosecution said they were disappointed with the ruling.
Lawyer Ties Prakken, who represented some complainants, was quoted by local media as saying Dutch courts are failing to protect a religious minority from discrimination. With legal avenues in the Netherlands exhausted, she said she’s preparing an appeal to the U.N. Commission on Human Rights in Geneva.
The court found that Wilders’ rhetoric was at times on the edge of what is legally permissible.
The judge described his statements about a “tsunami” of immigrants overrunning the country and threatening its culture as “crude and denigrating,” but legally legitimate given the wider context and his further statements that he has no objections to Muslims who integrate and accept Dutch values. Wilders, who lives under constant protection due to death threats, has never called for violence or endorsed it.
In speeches and written articles, Wilder said Islam is an inherently violent religion, and he compared the Quran with “Mein Kampf,” Hitler’s tirade against Jews – an especially touchy image because of the large number of Dutch Jews handed over to the Nazis in World War II.
The court paid special attention to Wilders’ 2008 film, “Fitna,“ Arabic for ”ordeal” – a 15-minute series of verses from the Quran juxtaposed against news video of violence and terrorism. The film prompted angry demonstrations and official protests around the Muslim world.
“Given the film in its whole and the context of societal debate, the court finds that there is no question of inciting hate with the film Fitna,” the judgment said.
In court, Wilders had argued that his statements represent the views of millions of Dutch voters and are protected by freedom of speech law. He accused the court of bias against him and claimed the charges were politically motivated.
Even the prosecutors called for his acquittal. Despite their reluctance to prosecute, the judges ruled last year that the case should be put to a judicial test.
Last April the same court acquitted Abdoulmouthalib Bouzerda, chairman of the Arab European League, of hate speech charges for publishing a cartoon on its website questioning the reality of the Holocaust.
The group had intended to spur public discussion about a perceived double standard: that European media are willing to publish cartoons mocking Islam’s prophet Muhammad, while cartoons about the Holocaust are taboo.
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Comments (130)
cbazan3
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:44am“Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition”.
Report Post »I_Hate_Libs
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:40amFinally something that makes sense.
The horror of the Democrat mind.
Report Post »Paradiddle69
Posted on June 24, 2011 at 12:57amThank God for the clear thought process of the Dutch court; not cowing under to the minority du Jour. Now, if only some of this could be instilled into the idiots running rampant in this country: Holder, The affirmative-action-appointee-in-chief, &c…
Report Post »gpk
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:37amBravo Geert.
Report Post »NHABE64
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:37amIslam is not a violent race of people ? Now this is almost laughable. God bless this Judeo-Christian world!
Report Post »rose-ellen
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 3:40pmAmericanism is as violent .The history of europe is too.They are freedom fighters resisting our unjust policies which hurt their people[racist illigal israeli expansion and occupation, propping up brutal dictaros for cheal below market oil prices, and military bases etc]. Thin skinned hypocrites ! labeling them as violent as if you’re not .You hate them not because they’re violent but because they were the first to give you a taste of your own murdering medicine.That was never suppose to happen as we acted in the world with impunity prior to them Muslims fighting back.
Report Post »Viet Vet
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:36pmHang in there Rosie O…they’re coming to..um..help you.
Report Post »lynnissmart
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:33amOh good….ha, ha, ha, ha…….someone who tells the truth!
Report Post »Waingro
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:30am“In speeches and written articles, Wilder said Islam is an inherently violent religion, and he compared the Quran with “Mein Kampf,” Hitler’s tirade against Jews.” It is and they are!
Report Post »ronmorgen
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:29amGlad to hear the good news that he won the battle. I have a few choice Anti-Islam comments myself. Mohammud is a false prophet , and Islam is a lying, murderous anti-Christ cult worse than the Third Reich.
Report Post »Christian Kalgaard
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:29amGOD BLESS that Geert Wilders and the courts of Dutchlandia
Report Post »SnowWolf
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:28amGood…People should be free to speak their minds as long as its true…
Speech Codes and Political correctness is not freedom of speech…nobody has the right to not be offended…particularly if what they are doing is subjecting them to criticism
Report Post »hi
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:27amWow! The Blazers would all be in jail for comments about Muslims including me!
Report Post »ronmorgen
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:40am“Wow! The Blazers would all be in jail for comments about Muslims including me!”
Yes, and many of us will be.
“Those who are wise will instruct many, though for a time they will fall by the sword or be burned or captured or plundered. 34 When they fall, they will receive a little help, and many who are not sincere will join them. 35 Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time.
Report Post »Dan 11:33-35
handsmcml
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:25amDeath threats, from the religion of peace? How can that be? Three cheers for the courts coming to the right conclusion. It is a shame that it had to go this long that a person can be brought to court for speaking the truth. Yes, the truth can hurt. There is no right to not be offended when others have the right of free s speech. When will the USA come to its senses and see this invasion for what it really is? It was taught by a certain prophet, that if you are weak, you wait and talk peace until you have gathered enough forces. Then you attack. Our president has just surrendered to the Taliban in Afghanistan, he just doesn’t know it, yet. The sad part is that a lot of people here don’t know it either. They are willing to wait until we leave. Then they will come back. They have been taught to love anyone who shares their religion, and hate anyone who does not. They will welcome the Taliban back with open arms. Many prefer submission to freedom.
Report Post »JUSTANOTHEROPINION
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:22am“Groups that filed complaints against Wilder that ultimately led to his prosecution said they were disappointed.” This statement is not entirely accurate in my opinion because there is a big difference between prosecution and persecution which is what was attempted here.
Report Post »frustratedwithgovt
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:17amGood for the courts. We need to stop political correctness and tell it like it is.
Report Post »sbenard
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:08amA rare victory for freedom of speech in the Netherlands!
Report Post »calebgs83
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:05amGeert Wilders is a Hero!
Report Post »Tsul Kalu
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:05amFinally the Dutch courts & leaders show an ounce of reality, Geert is a World Patriot for Freedom, Justice and defending and warning all of us of the dangers of the Ideology of Islam… He is very correct, proof is seen all over the planet …where islam has taken over, usually violently, they then persecute, terrorize, show NO kindness to any other belief systems outside islam, as they burn churches, books, destroy historic sites not related to islam, and forbid freedom to worship God as the individual sees fit to do. They openly practice Sharia laws, which are against the civilized worlds common sense rules of law, it Forbids women from about everything but being a sex,work,slave to the masters…men. It allows, promotes rape by men where the woman is usually stoned for being a victim, it allows the beheading, murder of anyone, babies, children, adults just because they are christian, it promotes Nazi belief systems of control, power, domination, and extermination of all opposed, It promotes lies, theft, any evils (as long as it is against the non islamists) it is by its practiced nature and as viewed by history, current and old, By their fruits you shall know them, well the fruits of this islam = hate, all types of Evil, the rotten fruit is there, a poison to civilized society, it turns the elites into power, the people into slaves, and drones. It is pure example of what Satan, Lucifer,the devil has said he would do as HE ruled the Earth.. This evil has but one root source
Report Post »rose-ellen
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 3:34pmHow dare they fight back our unjust policies against them/We propped up brutal regimes for cheap oiland military bases and vetoed every resolution that would benefit the palestinians and they got uppity and gave us a taste of our own medicine by bringing home to us for the first time in our history the knowledge that our policies toward THEM could impact US here.That was never suppose to happen .That’s why you hate them .They’re no more violent then us who spent the whole past century killing people with bombs [mccain dropping them on the villages of viet nam ] .it wasn’t supposed to happen here.you never batted an eye when you did it to others.hence your anger and hatrrd that they upset the apple cart [where you could murder with impunity] engendered your hatred of them.All you say about islam is hateful propaganda.Americanism is your religion and it is a religion of greed,hatred and violence.The mirror image of what you label islam because they had the nerve to get uppity and fight back against your unjust policies toward them.
Report Post »Viet Vet
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:34pmRosie O…haven’t the good men in white jackets gotten there yet with the straig….um…the restraining device?
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:00amHOORAY!!!!
Come on, AMERICANS!!!
Report Post »singray
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:56amUnder constant security due to death threats from the same religion thats trying to have him jailed for claiming that it was a religion of violence. Riots and Destruction by those claiming libal for stating they have a tendency to get violent.
Report Post »NotMotherEarth_FatherGod
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:55amNot on topic – Can anyone tell me how to turn off this irritating “NEXT STORY” pop-out? I know which stories I want to read and in which order; I do not need these irritating suggestions!
Thanks!
Report Post »dizzyinthedark
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:52amFinally! The truth be known! Very happy for you Mr. Wilders and proud of the courts decision.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:47amGeert Wilders speaks the truth, it‘s nice to see that’s still legal in some countries.
Report Post »TexasCommonSense
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:55amHow much longer do you suppose it will be in the US of A?
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:02amNot long, if Democrats get their way.
Report Post »nzkiwi
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:26am@Gonzo
You may think that my comment in the airline story was directed at you. It wasn’t. My apologies for being lazy and not showing who my remark was actually intended for.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 12:25pmnzkiwi
Report Post »Then I apologize for coming back at you so hard. Have a good day!
IAMMADDOG
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:46amThe truth hurts. If the Muslims don’t want to be considered violent maybe they ought to stop ACTING violent.
Report Post »rose-ellen
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 3:24pmThe most violent dangerous people on the planet are the american military murdering men women and children all over the mid east, and now torturing them too.And prior to murdering people there americans were doing it in viet nam and throughout the 20th century all over .And yopur vilence is not limited to your ‘enemies ’ but you murder your own too ,including women and children [always behind closed doors as you publicaly proclaim you abhore violence and value women and children,unlike the targets of your hatred.Yes you have the right to hate people or groups and people have the right to justifiably label americans the new nazis of the new century hateful ,violent with intimations of genocidal impulses.Anti islam bigotray is the new anti Saemitism and you're all anti-semites s you justify your genocidal impulses in the name of fighting evil.[standard tactic of nazi propaganda and hat groups. ].Americanism is your religion .It is a religion of hate.[Right wing dutch people are just unrependent nazis with a new acceptable target of genocidal hatred.same old ,same old].Tyr getting your government however to go along with you.Muslims are free to walk the streets and NOT to have to explain or defend themselves to you and you’ll be hit with a hate crime if you act on your hatred.You can bully them in your genocidal media all you want but they know better then to respond to your baiting them.[ they do fight with whatever means necessary invasions and unjust policies and racist
Report Post »Viet Vet
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:29pmRosie O….relax and just sit tight, the good men in the white jackets are coming to..um..help you. They have a nice hospital for you and lots of bars.
Report Post »nomercy63
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:45amGood for the Dutch, more balls then what we got in our courts!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »NickDeringer
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:43amKudos to Geert Wilders for standing up the the new Hitlers. Let’s hope this inspires others in the EU to do the same.
Report Post »Erabin
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 10:28amYep, hating a whole people for their religion. Sounds like the exact opposite of Hitler.
Report Post »cessna152
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 10:43am@Erabin
Yup… having an opinion and disagreeing with a “group” of people is an opinion. Yet you think having an opinion is “hate”? Hmmmm… tell me how you feel about Christians? Jews? In freedom you can dislike people and groups. In tyranny, you are forced to accept them. Do you accept me?
Report Post »Viet Vet
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:32pmThe islamofascists are as old as hitler (actually they predate Hitler by several centuries), as they were allied in WWII.
Report Post »randy
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:41amGood News!
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:52amYeah, maybe they are finally coming to their senses. More like, just tired of the PC and treating a class of petty and violent people with kid gloves. The truth will prevail!
Report Post »grandmaof5
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:57amA judge with some ‘guts’ (for the sake of civility). Now if only the wimpy judges in this country would take a lesson from them…nah, they want to be part of the problem, not the solution.
Report Post »nzkiwi
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:04amIt certainly is. Geert Wilders is Holland’s only hope for the future. Europe should pray that more politicians take heart from this and start to bring these self-confessed haters of their culture to heel.
I would not ban the Koran, but stopping immigration from muslim countries is a very good idea. Sooner or later, all western countries will have to face this decision. That’s the easy bit. The hard question is; how do you get rid of the one’s already in place?
Report Post »Ari Ben TZion
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:19amI’m glad to hear.
Wilders is the last European man.
G-d bless him.
Report Post »nzkiwi
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:20amIf you would like to watch “Fitna”, here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgQdZgojOFI&has_verified=1
Any doubts that you might have about the wickedness of islam will be swept away.
Report Post »NOBALONEY
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:28amYes
Report Post »Meyvn
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:51amYes it is. A victory for all and especially Wilders.
Report Post »Erabin
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 10:27am“It certainly is. Adolf Hitler is Germany’s only hope for the future. Europe should pray that more politicians take heart from this and start to bring these self-confessed haters of their culture to heel.” -NZKIWI, 70 years ago.
Report Post »Marci
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 10:28amExcellent! Finally someone with a brain makes a ruling on this. Unfortunately, these Islamofascists are going to go after him with violence. Their book says it’s justifiable.
Report Post »Truth Wins Every Time
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 10:30amChristians….insults allowed
Catholics…..insults allowed
Baptists……insults allowed
Women……insults allowed
Conserves…insults allowed
Anyone and anything…..insults allowed
But don’t you dare say anything against muslims or the quran or islam. That will NOT be allowed.
Report Post »Well, IMO, the quran is dirt! Muslims and islam are worse than dirt! And sharia law will kill us all, unless we kill it first.
fastfacts
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 10:32amRemember the cartoonist that drew Muhammad and was threatened by Muslims. In that case the media and courts didn’t go after those threatening the cartoonist. Yet they can make cartoons teaching kids to throw rocks at Jews, the radical’s double standard. Here is the video: http://tiny.cc/31qfq
Report Post »cessna152
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 10:34amHow is this good? This man had to go to court “FOR HAVING AN OPINION”. THERE IS EITHER FREE SPEECH OR NONE… PERIOD.
This sends a message of “Go ahead and speak your mind… However, any political (truth) speech will land you in court with legal fees, jail and cost you lots of money…”
Report Post »freeus
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 10:57amWilders is a courageous man, speaking out against evil.
Report Post »Sound The Trumpet In Zion
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 11:12amAlright, another judge that is smart enough to know that telling the truth has nothing to do with “hate speech”. We have some of these smart judges here in the United States but we need a LOT more of them here. Like Glenn says: “The truth has no agenda”, nor does it hate. Only people with a guilty conscience or that knows that their beliefs cannot stand up to the truth are the ones making these charges against people who are only speaking the truth.
Report Post »The Big Pickle
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 11:37amYES!
YES!
YES!
Thank God!
I was recently in Stockholm Sweden, Norway, and Amsterdamn and was shocked to see herds of muslims everywhere I looked….and by everywhere…I mean everywhere. It was almost impossible to find a White person in these cities.
Save Europe from the Invasion!
The way things are going, europe may need Russia to save the entire continient!
Report Post »The Big Pickle
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 11:40amhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9N5YQUKpeyA
Watch these Video of London…Not one White person anywhere to be seen. It’s the new europe, unless they stop the invasion!
Report Post »Obama Bin Lying
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 1:45pmIt would have been hysterical if they wound him guilty of hate speech. He only copied what was in the Quran.
Report Post »Edct
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 1:54pmGee….calling the infidel murdering terrorists what they are is telling the truth and therefore OK….well this is another small victory for common sense.
Report Post »cassandra
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 3:02pmnow we should be abe to do that in this country
Report Post »avenger
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 6:24pmabout time these dopes are awakening.. http://thereligionofpeace.com
Report Post »Lamarr01
Posted on June 24, 2011 at 12:57amDoesn’t Wilders have 24-hour protection? Wilders’ attorney and the three judges will probably be threatened in the near future. There are so many Islamic extremists in the Netherlands it is dangerous to oppose them.
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