Freedom of Speech Under Attack in the Netherlands
As a one-time resident of the Netherlands, a headline like “Freedom of Speech Under Attack in The Netherlands” feels quite odd to me. The people of the Netherlands, the Dutch, are a fantastic study in human decency. In all of my travels, I have never encountered a nation of people more in touch with common sense or more focused towards conducting themselves kindly towards their fellow men.
Perhaps it is a mistaken application of this kindness which has led to the perplexing situation of Geert Wilders being charged with “inciting discrimination and hatred” in a Dutch court.
I do not believe that Mr. Wilders is guilty of “inciting discrimination and hatred” against anyone. Geert has been accused of being anti-Muslim, but I believe that is a complete incorrect characterization. Mr. Wilders has nothing against Muslims, but he is opposed to coercion, violence, and terrorism. Mr. Wilders is on trial for pointing out where these behaviors are called for in the Qua’ran, the holy book of Islam. In effect, Mr. Wilders is on trial for quoting the Qua’ran.
Wilders is on trial because he is charged with “on multiple occasions, at least once, (each time) in public, orally, in writing or through images, intentionally offended a group of people, i.e. Muslims, based on their religion.” I, personally, do not like the color orange. I think it’s gaudy. In fact, I am offended by the color orange. Therefore, anyone who wears the color orange should be hauled into court and tried for the crime of offending me. It’s almost impossible not to see how silly this is, and yet the Dutch government is allowing this farce to continue.
If found guilty, Geert faces up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $26,900 for each charge.
You can read more about this story at the official website Wilders on Trial, or in The Railroading of Geert Wilders, Geert Wilders on Trial For Telling the Truth, and Stop the Trial of Geert Wilders. Or you can watch this fantastic video from British comedian Pat Condell:
