Court rules Geert Wilders’ anti-Islam statements part of national debate over immigration policy
A Dutch court acquitted politician Geert Wilders of inciting hatred against Muslims on Thursday. The judge ruled that the right-wing politician’s comments, which included comparing Islam with Nazism and calling for a ban on the Quran, were within the limits of legitimate political debate. The Amsterdam court also said a direct link couldn’t be established between his statements and increased discrimination against Dutch Muslims. Wilders, who is one of the most powerful and popular politicians in the Netherlands, called the acquittal “a victory for freedom of expression in the Netherlands.”