Hans Jansen, an MEP for the anti-immigration PVV,  has died following a stroke at the age of 72.

Jansen had represented the PVV in Brussels since last year’s European elections but was an unwilling delegate. He said at the time of his election: ‘I’m busy with other things. I’ve retired, I get royalties and I am writing a book.’

Jansen – a former university professor and described by the Dutch media as an Arabist – was a key witness at Geert Wilders’ 2010 trial for racial discrimination and inciting hatred.

He wrote 17 books about Islam and other religions and was involved in a Dutch translation of the Koran. He had a column on shockblog GeenStijl since January.