A Dutch court ruled on Wednesday it would go ahead with the trial of anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders on charges of inciting hatred and discrimination against Muslims, rejecting a request to dismiss the case.
A Dutch court ruled on Wednesday it would go ahead with the trial of anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders on charges of inciting hatred and discrimination against Muslims, rejecting a request to dismiss the case.
Wilders was charged with insulting Muslims by comparing Islam to Nazism. The case has attracted considerable attention, not just because of Wilders’ controversial comments, but also because of the increasing influence of his Freedom Party, which provides support for the minority government on key issues.
Reading out the ruling on Wednesday, presiding judge Marcel van Oosten said the case would go ahead.
Following a brief adjournment, judges, prosecutors and the defence agreed for the trial to resume on April 13 with key witness testimony. A ruling could then be handed down in summer.
Source: Agencies