Browse Topics
Tools
Internaxx Stock Market
Index Last Var.(%)
BEL 20 2119.3 0.50
DAX 5252.45 1.50
IBEX 30 10726.8 0.59
CAC 40 3377.59 1.40
FTSE 100 4564.5 0.79
AEX 276.85 0.95
DJIA 9096.72 -0.13
Nasdaq 1975.51 0.39
FTSE MIB 20341.67 1.65
TSX Composite 10570.54 -1.74
ASX 4148.9 -0.60
Hang seng 20135.5 -2.37
Straits Times 0.00
ISEQ 20 442.48 0.27
You are here: Home News Dutch News Fitna continues to draw protests across Islamic world

31/03/2008Fitna continues to draw protests across Islamic world

Fifty-three Jordanian ministers are demanding to break diplomatic ties and expel Dutch ambassadors, while other organisations threaten to boycott Dutch products


31 March 2008

Following the release of Geert Wilders' film Fitna, a group of 53 Jordanian MPs have delivered a petition to their government in Amman, demanding that it break all diplomatic ties with the Netherlands. They also want the Dutch ambassador expelled from the country. The Jordanian parliament consists of 110 members, 60 of whom were present when the petition was delivered.

Several Jordanian civilian organizations, including unions and media groups, have added their voices to the protest. They want to see action taken against the Netherlands and are demanding a boycott of Dutch products.

There were protests against the film across the Islamic world. In Iran,The Dutch ambassador was summoned  earlier today to offer an official explanation. Until now, Pakistan has been the only country to summon a Dutch envoy over the film.

Dozens of Indonesians held a demonstration outside the Dutch embassy in Jakarta. The protesters threw eggs at the building while shouting slogans such as: "Holland go to Hell". They called the Freedom Party leader a Christian terrorist and demanded that the Dutch authorities prosecute him.

On Sunday a demonstration against Fitna was held in central Java.

The controversy has prompted Dutch foreign minister Maxime Verhagen to publish an article in the Arabic newspaper Asharq al-Awsat, calling on people "to keep their heads cool and relations warm". He also underlined the need for dialogue to explain that freedom of speech and religion are human rights enshrined in the Dutch constitution.

[Copyright Radio Netherlands 2008]

0 reactions to this article

Discussion Forums

Discuss Dutch Culture

What do people of Africa descent think of Zwarte Pete?, by stone

Employment in the Netherlands

Starting business as a partner of highly skilled migrant, by Amitmi2

Netherlands Soapbox

Random Thought of the Day, by miss_blue

Travel & Transport in the Netherlands

Grote beurt, by blackwater

Legal Problems in the Netherlands

Moving to UK - what happens to my Dutch residence permit, by avocado

participate in the forums

Inside Expatica
Healthcare in the Netherlands

Healthcare in the Netherlands

Here’s a current guide to health insurance, doctors, dentists and pharmacies.

Dutch immigration and residency regulations

Dutch immigration and residency regulations

Lost in the Dutch immigration system? Look no further than this guide compiled for our Survival Guide 2009.

The Netherlands at a glance

The Netherlands at a glance

Some basic facts and figures about living and working in the Netherlands.

Giving birth in the Netherlands

Giving birth in the Netherlands

The challenges and benefits of the maternity system in the Netherlands and how it differs to other countries.