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Pol Who Called Islam Fascist Acquitted of Hate Charges

Geert Wilders calls verdict 'victory for freedom of expression'

By Mark Russell,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 23, 2011 9:12 AM CDT

(Newser) – A right-wing politician in the Netherlands who called Islam "fascist" and compared the Koran to Mein Kampf has been acquitted of inciting hatred against Muslims, reports the BBC. "It's not only an acquittal for me, but a victory for freedom of expression in the Netherlands," said Geert Wilders, whose supporters greeted the verdict with applause.

The judge called Wilders' remarks "gross and degenerating," but found that they did not give rise to hatred. They were "acceptable within the context of public debate," he added. Wilders was charged with inciting hatred in January 2009, because of comments he made in speeches, articles, and in his anti-Islam movie, Fitna. Plantiffs had been seeking a symbolic one euro fine, and say they are considering taking the case to the European Court of Human Rights.

Presiding judge Marcel van Oosten,  talks to right-wing politician Geert Wilders  in court as he is acquitted of charges relating to hate speech and discrimination,  in Amsterdam, Thursday June 23, 2011, ruling that his anti-Islam statements, while offensive to many Muslims, fell within the bounds of legitimate political debate. Presiding...
Presiding judge Marcel van Oosten, talks to right-wing politician Geert Wilders in court as he is acquitted of charges relating to hate speech and discrimination, in Amsterdam, Thursday June 23, 2011,...   (AP Photo/Robin Utrecht, Pool)
Right-wing Dutch politician Geert Wilders was acquitted today of charges relating to hate speech and discrimination against Muslims.
Right-wing Dutch politician Geert Wilders was acquitted today of charges relating to hate speech and discrimination against Muslims.   (AP Photo/Robin Utrecht, Pool)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 11 comments
guvner
Jun 23, 2011 10:22 AM CDT
He was acquitted of a thought crime. This was a high profile case. Had he been a regular schmo, wonder if outcome would have been the same. Eurolibs, such enlightened lot,
DontLikeYou
Jun 23, 2011 9:54 AM CDT
Islam is Fascist.
genghisKhanifer
Jun 23, 2011 9:42 AM CDT
You COULD argue for those statements regarding most any major religion if you look at their goals versus what actually takes place - though I would be hesitant to do so, even with my distaste for nearly all of them. Being offended about your religion is like self sabotaging your own social life because no one will compliment you on your clothes and there are 'some mean people around'. Waahhh

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