Published by Jack Everest on 22 Jan 2009
Geert Wilders to be prosecuted for “Fitna”
A Dutch court yesterday overruled a prior court decision and argued that Geert Wilders should be prosecuted for “inciting hatred and discrimination” and also “for insulting Muslim worshipers because of comparisons between Islam and Nazism” in his film Fitna (click here to see the video posting of Fitna).
Excerpt from the WSJ Online today (emphasis added)…
There are of course limits to free speech, such as calls for violence. But one doesn’t need to agree with Mr. Wilders to acknowledge that he hasn’t crossed that line. Some Muslims say they are outraged by his statements. But if freedom of speech means anything, it means the freedom of controversial speech. Consensus views need no protection.
This is exactly what Dutch prosecutors said (previously) in June when they rejected the complaints against Mr. Wilders. “That comments are hurtful and offensive for a large number of Muslims does not mean that they are punishable,” the prosecutors said in a statement. “Freedom of expression fulfills an essential role in public debate in a democratic society. That means that offensive comments can be made in a political debate.”
We will follow this new development closely. Good luck, Geert!