(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Half of adults in the Netherlands disagree with a court’s decision to prosecute lawmaker Geert Wilders for allegedly inciting hatred against Islam, according to a poll by Maurice de Hond. 50 per cent of respondents oppose the ruling, while 43 per cent endorse it.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Half of adults in the Netherlands disagree with a court’s decision to prosecute lawmaker Geert Wilders for allegedly inciting hatred against Islam, according to a poll by Maurice de Hond. 50 per cent of respondents oppose the ruling, while 43 per cent endorse it.
In September 2004, Wilders—an elected member of the lower house—quit the liberal People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD). Wilders criticized Muslims in the Netherlands for failing to properly integrate to society, and openly opposed Turkey’s accession to the European Union (EU).
In August 2007, Wilders—who now leads the opposition Party for Freedom (PvdV)—called for a ban on the Koran in the Netherlands, branding it a "fascist book" in the vein of Adolf Hitler’s "Mein Kampf". Wilders wrote in a newspaper piece: "Ban this wretched book just like ‘Mein Kampf’ is banned. Send a signal to Islamists that the Koran can never, ever be used in our country as an excuse or inspiration for violence."
In March 2008, Wilders released a movie titled Fitna depicting Islam as a violent religion, and once again comparing the Koran to "Mein Kampf".
In June 2008, Dutch prosecutors responded to Wilders’ critics, saying, "That comments are hurtful and offensive for a large number of Muslims does not mean that they are punishable. Freedom of expression fulfils an essential role in public debate in a democratic society. That means that offensive comments can be made in a political debate."
On Jan. 21, an Amsterdam court ordered prosecutors to call Wilders to trial for inciting hatred, stating, "In a democratic system, hate speech is considered so serious that it is in the general interest to draw a clear line." Wilders responded: "Participation in the public debate has become a dangerous activity. If you give your opinion, you risk being prosecuted."
Dutch voters renewed the Second Chamber in November 2006. The governing Christian-Democratic Appeal (CDA) led by current minister president Jan Peter Balkenende secured 41 out of 150 seats. In February 2007, a coalition encompassing the CDA, the Labour Party (PvdA) of Wouter Bos, and the Christian Union (CU) of Andre Rouvouet was assembled.
Last year, Balkenende claimed Fitna served "no purpose other than to offend."
Polling Data
Do you think the court made the right decision in prosecuting Geert Wilders?
|
Yes |
43% |
|
No |
50% |
|
Not sure |
7% |
Source: Maurice de Hond
Methodology: Interviews with 1,000 Dutch adults, conducted on Jan. 21, 2009. No margin of error was provided.
