Dutch Government Condemns Ultranationalist Leader’s Insults on Islam
The Leader of Dutch ultranationalist party for Freedom (PVV) Geert Wilders, who altered the Sauda Arabian flag in a campaign against Islam and subsequently offered to distribute it as a free sticker was condemned by the Dutch government and opposition parties.
Wilders altered the Saudi flag using the Arabic alphabet to include insults to Islam. He stuck the flag to the door of his office in parliament and urged Dutch society to do the same. Wilders has campaigned to stop what he views as the "Islamization of the Netherlands and Europe". He was acquitted of charges for "hate speech against Muslims" in 2011 by the Dutch court.
Wilders is the producer and promoter of controversial film "Fitna" which displays images from 9/11 and the 2004 Madrid attack with Qur'anic verses. The film was condemned globally and found provocative.
His recent actions have received widespread condemnation and is seen as a clear insult to Muslims. "The government doesn't approve these acts and does not support Wilders by any means," said Dutch FM Frans Timmermans.
Deputy PM Lodewijk Asscher defined the act as "dreadful". He said Wilders' motivation was to offend people, and the Muslims that contribute to Dutch society do not deserve it.
The learder of the Labor Party (PvdA) Hans Spekman and leader of Greens (GL) Bram Ojik spoke out against Wilders' insults.
Source: World Bulletin
