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Dutch Pol Makes Waves With Unseen Film

Western, Islamic officials fear violence over anti-Koran piece

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 20, 2008 1:36 PM CDT
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(Newser) – An unruly Dutch politician for months has had civil and religious leaders in a tizzy over a movie no one has seen—and which might not even exist, Der Spiegel reports. But by the end of March, provocateur Geert Wilders says he intends to release a movie exposing “the intolerant and fascist nature of the Koran.” Wilders had previously vowed to air his stunt—which is said to include the shredding of a Koran—by the end of January.

A predictable firestorm has been raging, with Muslims promising violence. Europe, meanwhile, is demanding that Wilders censor himself. A top Syrian cleric said, “If there is unrest, bloodshed, and violence after the broadcast … Wilders will be responsible,” while the EU praised him for promoting “international discourse.” Wilders has made his point already, Der Spiegel argues: Islam looks violent, and Europe looks cowardly before it.

Right-wing Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders speaks during an interview, Jan. 31, 2008. Wilders calls his anti-Quran film Fitna, an Arabic word that can be translated as discord or chaos.
Right-wing Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders speaks during an interview, Jan. 31, 2008. Wilders calls his anti-Quran film "Fitna," an Arabic word that can be translated as discord or chaos.   (AP Photo/Fred Ernst)
Right-wing Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders speaks during an interview, Jan. 31, 2008. Wilders calls his anti-Quran film Fitna, an Arabic word that can be translated as discord or chaos.
Right-wing Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders speaks during an interview, Jan. 31, 2008. Wilders calls his anti-Quran film "Fitna," an Arabic word that can be translated as discord or chaos.   (AP Photo/Fred Ernst)
Geert Wilders says his film, which is in the final editing stages, portrays Islam's holy book as a fascist text that incites violence and preaches the oppression of women and homosexuals.
Geert Wilders says his film, which is in the final editing stages, portrays Islam's holy book as a "fascist" text that incites violence and preaches the oppression of women and homosexuals.   (AP Photo/Fred Ernst)
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Danish PM blasts Wilder
DutchNews,nl

Dutch keep threat level high after bin Laden message
Reuters

Dutch Jews attack Wilders
Radio Free Netherlands

Dutch justice minister bemoans secrecy around film
Associated Press

 
Iran • Islam • Syria • European Union • Netherlands • Koran • Geert Wilders • Danish Mohammed cartoons

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