Wilders' right to freedom of opinion

The Dutch right-wing populist Geert Wilders has been charged with inciting racial hatred and discriminating against Muslims. Wilders is calling for an acquittal, as is the prosecution. In the interest of the freedom of opinion an acquittal is the only right judgement, the right-wing tabloid De Telegraaf writes: "The prosecution and [Wilders' defence lawyer] Moskowicz have rightly demanded an acquittal on all counts. One must hope the judges have enough common sense to sweep the accusations from the table. ... Wilders likes to provoke and sometimes he uses objectionable language when he does. But that's his right in a well-functioning democracy, as long as he doesn't incite violence. Anyone who takes part in public debate is entitled to make harsh comments. The freedom of opinion also holds for conservative statements. In the interest of this freedom one must hope that this case, which is being followed around the world, will end with an acquittal."

» more information (external link, Dutch)
More from the press review on the subject » Religion, » Minorities, » Justice, » Netherlands

» To the complete press review of Friday, June 3, 2011