27 March 2008

AMSTERDAM - The film Fitna - critical of the Koran and made by controversial MP Geert Wilders, one of the Netherlands' most outspoken Islam critics - has been put on the internet, Dutch news wire ANP reported on Thursday.

Wilders, whose Freedom Party holds nine seats in the Dutch parliament and is a member of the opposition, had said his film demonstrates why the Koran is a "fascist" book that incites people to commit violence.

In November Wilders confirmed rumours that he was producing a film about the Koran. The film has captured the Dutch headlines ever since and caused heated debates.

The Dutch government distanced itself formally from the movie and expressed its fear that Dutch lives, but also Dutch business, might be at risk abroad.

Referring to the freedom of expression, the Dutch government also said it would not undertake steps to prohibit the movie unless it was proven Wilders violated Dutch law.

The website of Wilders' Freedom Party said the film could be watched at www.liveleak.com.

[Copyright dpa 2008]