Ministers warn Wilders about Koran film

Justice minister Ernst Hirsch Ballin and foreign affairs minister Maxime Verhagen had talks with anti-immigration MP Geert Wilders on Wednesday to try to persuade him to drop his anti-Koran film, according to the Volkskrant.


The paper says ministers warned Wilders of the political and economic damage the film could cause the Netherlands. In addition, Wilders was warned of the legal consequences the film could have for him personally. The justice and foreign ministries refused to comment.
If the film shows images that discriminate or encourage hatred, Wilders could face prosecution. The public prosecution department is already considering a number of complaints about earlier statements made by Wilders.
Wilders told the Volkskrant the meeting was ‘pure intimidation’ and that he felt ready to go ‘full steam ahead’ to complete the project.
Wilders’ 15-minute film aims to prove the Koran is a ‘fascist book that encourages violence’. The fervent anti-Islam campaigner says it will be completed this weekend and that he is in talks with a number of Dutch and foreign media companies about broadcasting it.
Wilders earlier called for the Koran to be banned in the Netherlands and said Muslims who wish to stay here should tear out half its pages.

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