Tue, 9 February 2010
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AMSTERDAM— The court found that there was a case of inciting hatred, discrimination and insulting language to answer. Earlier the Public Prosecutor decided not to proceed against Wilders, which sparked numerous protests from organisations and individuals.
The court regarded Wilders' remarks as punishable in law in view of both their content and the manner of presentation. The judges characterized the presentation as comprising "one-sided, generalised phrasing characterised by a radical nature, constant repetition and increasing ferocity". The court further ruled that the prosecution of the PVV party leader would not conflict with the right to freedom of expression.
Wilders said it was "a black day for freedom of speech" and for himself. Although he was confident he would be exonerated, he was afraid the trial might last so long and cost the PVV so much that the future existence of the party would be jeopardised.
Radio Netherlands/Expatica
What a shame! So much for freedom of speech. It seems that Amsterdam prosecutor Leo de Wit is more afraid of the radical Muslim in Holland than he is of the truth in Fitna.
I feel very sorry that it has come to this----not being able to speak your mind in The Netherlands while some Muslims behave in a despicable manner and are allowed to get away with it.!
Although I strongly disagree with Mr. Wilders point of view, I can not say more than to give him the right to speak his mind. To see the court say there is a case of inciting hate and discrimination. Have they not heard of Freedom of Speech. What will happen next when someone criticises a person of government office or person for what they believe to be wrong or say a word "not proper" will also be charged.
I think there is a little misunderstanding here that we may want to discuss. Mr Wilders has never been impeded in any way to express his thoughts openly, what the Judge is saying is that now he has to pay for the consequences, since what he said is legally offensive to others, which is not the same. Freedom requires resposibility
Anyone who participates in the prosecution of Mr. Wilders should themselves be prosecuted for harrassment! Fitna neither used actors nor staged the events that are shown in the movie. Islam IS a problem all over the FREE world. But the Netherlands wouldn't know about that, would they?.
I fell in love with Amsterdam and have traveled throughout the Netherlands. However, the thought of returning anywhere in western Europe has become distasteful!
A story from a friend who lives in the United States.
IN THE U.S., A MAN WAS SUSPENDED FROM THIS COLLEGE FOR A SEMESTER AND FORCED TO TAKE A CULTURE SENSITIVITY COURSE FOR INSULTING, A HINDU WOMAN.
THIS MAN SAID "SHUT UP YOU BUFFALO".
THIS MAN SAID THOSE WORDS IN FRONT OF OTHER CLASSMATES.
THIS WOMAN, WHO HE SAID THIS TO, WENT TO THE STUDENT BODY COUNCIL, CHARGING THIS MAN WITH A HATE SPEECH.
THE STUDENT BODY COUNCIL FOUND HIM GUILTY.
WHEN THE STUDENT AT THIS COLLEGE ENROLLS THEY ACCEPT THE RULES OF THE COLLEGE. UNDER THE GUIDELINES, THIS STUDENT HAD NO RIGHT TO APPEAL PROCESS AT THE COLLEGE.
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