PVV leader Geert Wilders is facing 136 compensation claims ahead of his trial for discrimination and inciting hatred, the AD reports on Thursday.

The public prosecution department is taking anti-Islam party leader Geert Wilders to court after he led supporters in an anti-Moroccan chant at a post-election meeting.

The complainants say they were damaged when Wilders made his discriminatory remarks. Lawyers are advising them to ask for no more than €250 in each case. However, this would amount to a total claim of €30,000, the AD says.

And because people can put in a claim up until the trial begins, the number of complainants could still rise.

Questioned

The public prosecution department said in October it was investigating Wilders and formally questioned him on December 8.

Wilders said in a statement at the time he would not take back his words and that he did want ‘fewer Moroccans’ and ‘less Islam’ in the Netherlands. He also said he would not allow himself to be silenced.

In 2010, Wilders was found not guilty of inciting hatred and discrimination at an earlier trial. Legal experts say the new case against Wilders is stronger than the previous one.