Amsterdam Court: Marcel Van

Discriminatory Remarks Dept: He denies wrongdoing, saying his comments are part of legitimate political debate and within his free-speech rights. Opponents say Wilders' remarks have led to increased discrimination against Muslims in the Netherlands, where they make up around six percent of the population, and impinging on their right to freedom of religion, according to CTV. Judge Marcel van Oosten rejected defense arguments that prosecutors had gone beyond the scope of their case, and that the Amsterdam District Court was the wrong venue for a trial, noting that some of Wilders' most potentially offensive remarks had been made or published in the Dutch capital and geert Wilders, whose Freedom Party is propping up an all-conservative minority Cabinet, is accused of making discriminatory remarks on the basis of race and religion, and of inciting hatred against Muslims. "Disappointing ruling at Amsterdam court," Wilders wrote on his Twitter feed. "Still am convinced of acquittal, will never be silenced." As reported in the news.
@t free speech rights, muslims in the netherlands