LONDON: Virulent Dutch anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders continues to demand an acquittal on charges of inciting racial hatred and discrimination, saying he was “defending freedom” in the Netherlands. “Acquit me. I do not encourage hatred, I do not encourage discrimination,” Wilders, 47, told judges before the Amsterdam regional court, broadcast on Dutch public television, last week. The court will give its verdict on June 23, an Amsterdam court representative has confirmed to Bikya Masr. Wilders, whose PVV party gives parliamentary support to a right-leaning Dutch coalition said: “I defend the character, the identity, the culture and the freedom of the Netherlands.” He could face up to one year in prison or a 7,600 euro (10,300 dollar) fine for comments made in his campaign to “stop the Islamization of The Netherlands” if he is found guilty. The politician went on trial last October for criticizing Islam and notably likening the Koran to Hitler's “Mein Kampf.” He made the statements between 2006 and 2008 in Dutch newspapers, on Internet forums and in his 17-minute film “Fitna” (Arabic for Dissention) in which he mixes Koranic verses with footage of extremist attacks. “I am obliged to speak, because the Netherlands is under threat of Islam,” he said, adding “Islam is opposed to freedom.” “Mr. President, members of the court, do not let the lights go out in the Netherlands,” he concluded. BM
