The Dutch Public Prosecutor’s Office is set to trample free speech rights in its misguided quest to prosecute Right-wing politician, Gert Wilders, for inciting hatred, discrimination and insulting language concerning Islam and Muslims.The Amsterdam court has ruled that the Public Prosecutor’s Office should after all prosecute the right-wing populist politician Geert Wilders for remarks about Muslims and Islam. The court found that there was a case of inciting hatred, discrimination and insulting language to answer. Earlier the Public Prosecutor decided not to proceed against Mr Wilders, which sparked numerous protests from organisations and individuals. The court regarded Mr Wilders’ remarks as punishable in law in view of both their content and the manner of presentation. The judges characterized the presentation as comprising “one-sided, generalised phrasing characterised by a radical nature, constant repetition and increasing ferocity”. The court further ruled that the prosecution of the PVV party leader would not conflict with the right to freedom of expression. Mr Wilders said it was “a black day for freedom of speech” and for himself. Although he was confident he would be exonerated, he was afraid the trial might last so long and cost the PVV so much that the future existence of the party would be jeopardised.
Note: The Finnish authorities are presently trying to build a simiar case against Jussi Hall-aho, using the very same argumentation, Halla-aho has just blogged his exchange (in Finnish) with the authorities via email. when I have the time, I’ll translate the more important parts of it. Halla-aho’s own argumentation is pure brilliance. I believe that we will see the same from Wilders as well. H/T: Europe News
UPDATE: And if that weren’t enough, just look at what Palestinians are saying if Europe doesn’t cater to the Islamofascists’ demands. UPDATE: The Baron has just received the following statement from the PVV:This is a Black Day for Freedom”
by Baron Bodissey
We just received this statement from the PVV (Party for Freedom):
Geert Wilders: court decision is an all-out assault on freedom of speechSurvival of Freedom Party in jeopardyThe Hague, January 21, 2009The Freedom Party (PVV) is shocked by the Amsterdam Court of Appeal’s decision to prosecute Geert Wilders for his statements and opinions. Geert Wilders considers this ruling an all-out assault on freedom of speech.Geert Wilders: “Apparently this is The Netherlands today. If you speak out you might be prosecuted. To participate in public debate has become a dangerous activity.”“If I have to appear in court, not only I will be prosecuted, but also hundreds of thousands of Dutch citizens who reject the Islamisation of the West. In Dutch Parliament only the Party for Freedom is willing to speak up for the preservation of our culture and our many freedoms.”- – – – – – – – –
The Freedom Party leader now faces legal proceedings that will probably take years to conclude and will also involve enormous legal fees.“We depend on small donations. The Freedom Party is the only party in Parliament that does not accept any government funding. This court decision jeopardizes the very existence of the Freedom Party. We simply cannot afford the enormous legal expenses.”“This is a black day for freedom.”
