Defence opens its case in Wilders’ hatred incitement trial

Lawyer Bram Moszkowicz on Tuesday began outlining the defence’s case at the trial of MP Geert Wilders on charges of inciting hatred and discrimination.


Moszkowicz expects his evidence to take some 14 hours.
Last week, the public prosecution department asked the court to find Wilders not guilty on all charges.
The case was brought on the orders of the high court which over-turned a department decision not to prosecute the MP.
Damages
On Monday, lawyers and individuals representing organisations which had pressed the high court to take action were allowed to address the court.
According to media coverage, the proceedings where chaotic, with many of the speakers addressing Wilders directly, rather than the judges.
At one point, when lawyer Mohammed Enait called Wilders a ‘little Hitler’, Moszkowicz intervened, saying: ‘Wilders thinks we can say exactly what we like but I do not think this is acceptable’.
The plaintiffs were allowed to give evidence in support of their damages claim, but were not allowed to comment on the performance of the public prosecution department.
Children
Mohammed Rabbae, a former MP and now head of a Dutch Moroccan organisation, said Wilders is using Islam as a smoke screen to stimulate conflict and division.
According to Trouw, he became emotional when outlining the effect of Wilders’ campaign on Muslim children. ‘They are born here, they have strong ties to the Netherlands, but they are frightened they may have to leave,’ he told the court.
Law student Naoual told the court: ‘I am not a fascist, a nazi, a terrorist, a criminal or violent. But I am constantly being forced on the defensive.’
For more on Monday’s trial proceedings, click here
For Naoual’s speech in total, click here

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