Geert Wilders Free

Wilders describes Islam as "fascist" and compared the Koran to Mein Kampf

Extreme right-wing Dutch politician Geert Wilders is free of inciting hatred against Muslims.

Wilders describes Islam as "fascist" and compared the Koran with Hitler's Mein Kampf writings.

He reiterated his statement addressed to the followers of Islam rather than Islam. This does not violate Dutch law.

Judge Marcel van Oosten said the remarks "unacceptable in terms of public debate".

But both Mr. Wilders and the prosecutor appealed.

Symbolic fines?
Members of minority groups who filed the case told the judge that the statements Wilders trigger discrimination and violence against Muslims.

Prosecutors tried to get fined a symbolic one euro. They are considering presenting a case to the European Court of Human Rights.

Wilders accused of inciting hatred and discrimination in January 2009 based on a number of anti-Islamic statements in the controversial film Fitna and the statement in the media. The trial began in January 2010 and for the first broadcast live in the Netherlands.

Although not part of the coalition government, support for Wilders' Freedom Party to make the government stay in power.