Geert Wilders cleared of hate charges by Netherlands court

A Dutch court has acquitted rightwing politician Geert Wilders of hate charges, saying his anti-Islam statements, while offensive to many Muslims, fell within the bounds of legitimate political debate.

Judge Marcel van Oosten said Wilders' claims that Islam is violent by nature, and his calls for a ban on Muslim immigration and the Qur'an, must be viewed in a wider context of debate over immigration policy.

The judge added that the remarks could not be directly linked to increased discrimination against Dutch Muslims.Outside the courtroom, Mr Wilders said he was "incredibly happy" with the decision.
"It's not only an acquittal for me, but a victory for freedom of expression in the Netherlands," he said.
"Fortunately you're allowed to discuss Islam in public debate and you're not muzzled in public debate. An enormous burden has fallen from my shoulders."
Mr Wilders is widely known for his anti-Islam message, calling for a halt to Muslim immigration and to ban the Islamic faith's holy book, the Quran.



Wilders argued that his statements represent the views of millions of Dutch voters, that they are protected by freedom of speech law, and that the court is biased against him, while the charges are politically motivated.

Even the prosecutors called for his acquittal, saying that his remarks may be offensive, but they are part of legitimate political debate. Despite their reluctance, the judges ruled last year that the case should be put to a judicial test and Wilders should be prosecuted.