It does indeed seem like a political prosecution at a time when the PVDA and CDA are scrambling to win seats. I find this whole case very hypocritical when the left wing too are just as guilty of anti immigration sentiment towards non Western immigrants. You read and hear it weekly in the media by those trying to score more votes away from Wilders. You hear it from all partijs just about concerning Moroccan youths as the source to all the Netherlands problems in society. PVDA is just as guilty, CDA and VVD and even Groenlinks played into this role to try to score points. Let us be fair and go back and collect all new and old media content and bring this to the European court of human rights and not just target one person who is only an escape goat for all others who just want Wilders out of the way in order to steal his votes. Those same partijs that brought this case on, are guilty too. They egged Wìlders on and played along with the anti immigration sentiment in the Nethelrands which spread to other EU countries. After all, wasn´t the inburgering law originally designed for NON Western immigrants? Which is CLEARLY STATED in the original reason for the law? The whole inburgering law and debates over the last 8 years have have revolved around NOn Western immigrants, almost always bringing up politicians that Moroccans, Muslims Turks etc are a problem, backwards etc nothing ever positive in the news said about these specific groups of people. The media too is guilty, should be prosecuted because they had a big hand in this. VVD, egged Rita Verdonk on if memory serves me correctly. Even the inburgering tests itself is designed towards Muslims and has references towards Moroccan or Turks. Is this not considered As targeted groups? Wilders in many ways is a victim of society and the politicians who were spineless and egged him on by saying nothing or very little and they themselves started to try to copy some of Wilders opinions in order to score votes. I believe that the European court of human rights should do their job and investigate the Netherlands, the first source of the anti immigration sentiment that started right after Pim Fortuyn and Theo Van gogh were murdered. After that, almost yearly, the immigration and integration requirements for immigrants have not only gotten so strict that it effects non Westerners, it also affects Westerners that are allies of the Netherlands, EU countries. The anti immigration laws and harsh integration requirements law ideas have spread to Germany, Austria and Denmark, and Now UK too is trying to copy the Netherlands harsh integration requirements. I have a feeling if Wilders is prosecuted, his appeal to the European court of human rights will have to consider what lead up to Wilders prosecution and those behind it will have to be investigated. This may open up a whole new can of worms as the source of where all this xenophobia started from that other EU countries are having trouble with now, like italy etc. The netherlands cannot point fingers at Germany this time, the netherlands political partijs for the last 8 years are responsible for their own atmosphere of hate that they themselves created all for the sake of a vote. The political atmosphere itself created Mr. Wilders and egged him on. Those partijs most guilty are VVD and CDA and now PVDA has joined the club with two faces of course.

By Sandra | January 14, 2010 8:29 AM

If the legal system is so much better in North Korea, may I suggest you move there, Mr. Wilders?

By J. | January 14, 2010 8:44 AM

RESPONSE to J:

May I suggest the non western immigrants and liberal dutch move to North Korea if they want to prevent freedon speech, the north koreans will ensure you get your wish.

This is a disgusting political trial and as a non western immigrant myself I am disgusted that Europeans would rather prosecute on of their own, than the unrul youths in my street! Or the shariah law chanting muslims that march in london! How is it that europeans are unable to stand together supporting each other but instead throw one of their own to the lions, hoping it will appease the enemy.

I hope their are tens of thousands marching in Wilders support next week and remind this useless government what the Dutch people have a right to believe!

By Juan | January 14, 2010 10:23 AM

Let the court decide, who is right and who is wrong. We must trust on the dutch justice system and should not assume that an MP, who is sowing hatred for political gain is above the law. If today, we advocate for Wilders, tomorrow it will give the way to another MP for dividing the dutch society for his/her political gain.
Through-out history, it happened like that. First they target the foreigners and later they are targeting groups among their own race.
Wilders issue is purely political for advancing his own interest and not the interest of The Netherlands.

By jerry | January 14, 2010 11:30 AM

Reply to Juan,

First of all, freedom of speech applies to all the people so if Wilders want to speak his mind he should also let others speak their mind. In that case there should be no problem with imams or radicals speaking their minds. Because in the end both are just inciting hatred towards others.

Secondly, it all depends on how civilized the society is and not how europeans should behave. Just because he happens to be a european doens't mean that he can go unpunished for whatever nuisance he utters.

Thirdly like you say "the shariah law chanting muslims that march in london" and "their are tens of thousands marching in Wilders support next week", there are supporters for both sides so it's better that law takes it own course.

By xeta | January 14, 2010 12:16 PM

Because nothing has been done to arrest the politics of hate, and it appears to be becoming popular, all political parties may be trying to gain some mileage by preaching intolerence.
But this goes against the basics of Dutch society, and it is a good place to start by prosecuting Wilders who is the main proponent of such twisted ideas. They can then go after the rest.
Unruliness, by persons of whatever ethnicity or religion needs to be dealt with, but that is a law and order issue, not an ethnic or religious issue, not even a political one. Wilders and others have made it an ethnic/religious issue, and that must be reversed. Blaming Moroccans or non-Western immigrants will not stop Dutch hooligans, and neither does it do justice to law-abiding Moroccans and other Muslims, who are just as resentful of unruly behaviour as the native Dutch. Unfortunately, those non-Western immigrants trying to integrate and live peaceably amongst the Dutch are being targeted by the politics of hatred. This "branding" of people because of their ethnicity/religion must end. Give everyone an equal opportunity, and let the law come down hard on miscreants. Lawlessness cannot be solved through xenophobia.
Isn't it a tragedy that Wilders has polarized the Netherlands?

By AC | January 14, 2010 12:59 PM

Have some more coffee, Juan. Which unruly youths on your street would you like prosecuted? I'm fairly certain they would be of Dutch nationality or do you also make distinctions about who is really Dutch and who isn't? Are they chanting shariah law too? Or are you just going on a self-indulgent tear against everybody you think should be exported from your delightful presence?

By J. | January 14, 2010 1:19 PM

There is NO freedom of speech in the Netherlands.

Anything that offends you is hate speech in Netherlands.

Netherlands is turning into a fascist police state. Do not take your tourisim dollars to Amsterdam.

By infidel | January 14, 2010 1:47 PM

This is appalling. Muslims throughout Europe regularly issue threats of violence and Imams in Mosque from Britain to Belgium spread hatred. Yet it's Geert Wilders up on charges?

It's a travesty.

By Tabatha | January 14, 2010 1:57 PM

Here's hoping that Geert Wilders is acquitted of all charges. I suppose it is too much to hope that those who brought the charged are then charged with incitement, racism and suppression of the right to free speech? When that happens, I will begin to believe that Holland, England and Europe are again on the path to civilisation.

By john in cheshire | January 14, 2010 2:12 PM

All these two faced Political Parties I'm reading about.

Sounds like a new political party could be in the making... Janus ?

By Gerard | January 14, 2010 2:55 PM

Okay, whether Wilders is correct or not, or be it to do with his political struggle for power is not the point here.

The matter at hand has to do with the corruption (Miss use) of Islam. This is not just a run-of-the-mill faith anymore. The issue at hand has to do with a world wide percentage of people that are willing to commit murder for their beliefs. Their families are paid large sums of money for their so called sacrifices to Islam.

Wilders is only about 30 years too late.
I can understand his argument but...
he is not the solution to the problem, and comes across to many of us as a *hit stirrer with racist attitudes...

The only way to resolve the growing worries of terrorism, is to remain diplomatic, try and keep the majority happy for most of the time.

but...in the end, if nothing radical is done, we will all suffer one way or another.

You cannot reason with the unreasonable!

After Wall street crashed during the 30's, the 2nd world war came about.

History repeats it's self, but this time, it's not Germany, no, not one country but many. It seems to be a toss up between the changing weather patterns, or religion, that will eventually deal with overpopulation...

However, if Wilders is found guilty, it will be a strong blow against the so called freedom of speech.

If the Netherlands really cares about the future, it will consider the advantages & DISADVANTAGES of continuing it's expensive membership with the EU.

I also hope he is acquitted, but that he refrains from his hard-line attitude on this sensitive issue, that puts us all at risk!!!

By stevie | January 14, 2010 10:29 PM

Jerry writes:

"Through-out history, it happened like that. First they target the foreigners and later they are targeting groups among their own race."

Wilders and the Dutch have a right to decide how they want their country and culture to be - not for it to be determined by outsiders whose great skill is not to assimilate. You may as well have just written: "Through-out history, it happened like that. First they target the Infidels and later they are targeting groups among their own religion."

By Ross | January 14, 2010 11:18 PM

p.s. if there is a march in support of Wilders - could we get everyone (male and female) to wear blue burkhas. What a spectacle that would be. The anti-Wilders crowd wouldn't know who their enemies were - and couldn't film them for later retribution.

By Ross | January 15, 2010 12:15 AM

Interesting that the Dutch authorities are so quick to jump on a non-Muslim for 'hate crimes', yet when Muslims openly broadcast their hatred and contempt for the West, they do nothing. This sends a clear message: we are afraid of Islam and instead of hitting back by meting out equal ‘justice’ to those who promote anti-Western sentiment, we are letting them get away with it. How spineless we have become – shame!

By heidifromoz | January 15, 2010 2:01 AM

It is a sad day when a western nation such as The Netherlands, prosecutes a patriot such as Geert Wilders for simply expressing his opinion publically. Sadly, the marxist-facist-globalists are responsible for this. Their goal is very simple, bring the third world into the west, crush the European native by replacing his culture with multiculturalism, and when all nations look the same, join them under the Marxist New World Order.

By Mr. Balk | January 15, 2010 3:07 AM

It was the silent majority in prewar Germany who didn't speak up against a fanatical minorety until it was to late!!
Just like today when the silent majority of Muslims do not speak up against the fanitics that give their religion a bad name and reputation.

By leon belgrave | January 15, 2010 3:31 AM

John in cheshire, the charges against Wilders will not stick, and if they do, he will be eventually acquitted. As I said above, the whole of Nederlands political system would have to be charged if that were the case because Wilders is only an escape goat and this case is being used to get rid of Wilders so other politicians can steal his votes is what it boils down to. The netherlands has the international human rights court to think about and their reputation is at hand.

By sandra | January 15, 2010 5:43 AM

It appears Wilders has incited many of you to racial hatred. Keep posting folks! It just makes the case against him all the stronger.

By osita | January 15, 2010 7:02 AM

Mr. Balk writes: "Their goal is very simple, bring the third world into the west, crush the European native by replacing his culture with multiculturalism, and when all nations look the same, join them under the Marxist New World Order."
- I'm sorry to say - but I think you are correct

By Ross | January 15, 2010 8:37 AM

By challenging the legitimacy of the Dutch court system, Mr. Wilders is being undemocratic himself. What an irony that he states such respect for such a country while he claims to be the bearer to democracy and freedom of expression in the NL. If he thinks North Korea is better than the NL then god bless this country if he comes to power...
Furthermore, there is no doubt that Wilders statement are enticing racism against a particular group of people (including Dutch nationals for the record, which if naturally a breach of the constitutional right of such individuals).
I'm glad he's in court and I trust that the Dutch court will take a good decision. This is not a political trial but a trial to enforce respect for the Dutch law and values!

By Faten | January 15, 2010 1:38 PM

I hate this situation. Wilders is an idiot. But people arent easy to polorise unless they are already feeling this way. For me this is the saddest part. If Wilders wasnt there, there would be someone else spouting this drivle. The population are starting to fit themselves into their pigeon holes that have been created by nutters like Wilders and those wacky hate spreading Imams. They are both wrong. Try explaining that to them though. Both sides of the argument are represented by either backwords thinking morons (Wilders etc) or watered down PC politicians (Balkenende etc). People need to stop taking everything so bloody personnally. We need an alien invasion to bring us all together. Please come and save us Martians. Haha.

By langer | January 15, 2010 2:40 PM

Ironically if Hitler and the Nazi party would have won the second W.W none of this bullshit would be happening today. There would not be one Muslim, Gay, Black, or crippled person left on this planet. I have always said wait an other 50 years and there will be a statue of Hitler in ever major capitol. The more things chance the more they stay the same. We are suppose to have freedom of speech here in Canada as well, but if I say something negative about a Jew, black, Muslim or any other minority I will be charge with spreading hate crimes. In the 14 century the crusaders drove the Muslims back to their homelands and there for prevented an invasion. But to day they are taking over by legal immigration. They do it in Holland and they do it here in Canada. AS more of them be come members of Parliament(as their numbers increase and they vote for their own people) the more chances there are that the current democracies of both countries will come to an end and we will be living under some form of Muslim law. There for Mr. Wilders must beat all allegations and charges before him if the Netherlands is to survive this onslaught of free speech.

By Chris L | January 15, 2010 6:39 PM

If Britain can ban Islam4UK for advocating Sharia law and for praising terrorists, there is no reason at all why the Netherlands should not prosecute Geert Wilders for among other things, calling for the mass deportations of Muslims.

Let apologists for the intolerant remember inciting violence is an offense in most European states.

By SAS | January 15, 2010 11:13 PM

Osita writes: "It appears Wilders has incited many of you to racial hatred. Keep posting folks! It just makes the case against him all the stronger."
Expressing intolerance for an intolerant ideology is a bit of a conundrum for so-called 'free thinkers'. It would have been better if more Germans inthe 20's and 30's expressed an intolerance for another totalitarian cult - would you agree Osita? The only way to judge Islam is by its results on the ground where they have achieved their aim (Dar Al Islam) and established sharia. Not particlarly encouraging. So better to be on the safe side rather than risk Western democracy don't you think?

And your claim that racial hatred is involved?? Totally spurious. Is it racist to be against scientology??? Since when was Islam a race? People would still object of this so-called religion was invented by white westerners - let alone uneducated 7th century bedouins.

By Ross | January 16, 2010 5:41 AM

Faten writes:
" W...hat an irony that he states such respect for such a country while he claims to be the bearer to (sic) democracy and freedom of expression in the NL... "
Why is that ironic? Do you know the meaning of the word?

"Furthermore, there is no doubt that Wilders statement are enticing racism against a particular group of people (including Dutch nationals for the record, which if naturally a breach of the constitutional right of such individuals"
Yes it would be - IF that is what he was doing. As you should know - Islam is not a race. Are you looking for sympathy playing the race card - or just trying to confuse readers? There are white Dutch muslims. Mr.Wilders is against a backward beleif system, not any of its peaceloving adherents (even if they are few and far between)

By Ross | January 16, 2010 8:11 AM

This is my third attempt to write my piece of mind in this matter. Ishall make it simple and forthright.
To all the peace-loving Christian citizens of Netherlands, my message is , IF you don't see the sincerity in Mr. Wilders attempts to get all of Europe to realise the impending danger that is waiting to swallow Christian Europe, then the loss is yours and your generations to come. FOR ONCE, LISTEN TO WILDERS. HE IS NOT PREACHING HATE. ALL HE IS SAYING IS "WAKE UP, MY CHRISTIAN BROTHERS" . The enemy is NOT AT THE GATES. HE IS AT YOUR DOORSTEP.
For heaven's sake, open your eyes. Your enemy is using the noble "Freedom of Speech" in the Netherlands and England to spread hate message aimed at the Christians. WHY ARE THEY NOT ARRESTED?

By Vargese reddy | January 16, 2010 8:41 AM

I still do not understand how Gretta Duisenberg can get away with saying, " the Dutch Government is being run by zionist Jews" and not face similar charges as Geert Wilders. Doesn't that seem unfair?

By Peter | January 30, 2010 7:49 PM

Clearly Holland has gone over the edge towards totalitarianism.

By James | February 2, 2010 7:34 PM

This used to be a joke from a silly movie.

"There are two kinds of people I can't stand in this world. People who are intolerant of other people's cultures, and the Dutch. "

Nigel Powers , Goldmember

It isn't any more, Congratulations

By Dave | February 4, 2010 6:15 PM