Europe News
Wilders defends anti-Islam rhetoric on final day of court hearings
Jun 1, 2011, 10:41 GMT
Dutch politician Geert Wilders in court in Amsterdam, The Netherlands 01 June 2011. The leader of the PVV party in his trial for inciting hatred and discrimination is expected to address the judges 01 June. EPA/Evert Elzinga
Amsterdam - Dutch politician Geert Wilders on Wednesday defended his anti-Islamic rhetoric during the final day of hearings in his trial for inciting hatred and discrimination, Dutch media reported.
'The Netherlands is threatened by Islam. Islam is an ideology of hate and destruction. Islam threatens Western values and norms,' Wilders told the judges, the daily 'De Volkskrant' reported.
The case against the leader of the anti-Islam PVV (Freedom Party) began last October, but collapsed following claims that the judges were not impartial. A retrial began earlier this year.
Wilders, 47, faces five counts of causing offence to Muslims and of inciting hatred against Muslims and people of non-Western immigrant background, in numerous public statements since October 2006.
The public prosecution has called for Wilders to be found not guilty. A verdict is expected in late June.
COMMENT
blog comments powered by DisqusLatest Headlines in Europe
- 1. Pope in Easter message calls for peace and religious tolerance
- 2. Magnificent Messi leads Barcelona to ninth straight win
- 3. Pope leads Easter vigil, calls for "true enlightenment"
- 4. Barcelona increase pressure on Real with romp in Zaragoza
- 5. Pope Benedict XVI leads Easter Vigil
Older Talkback
