Dutch politician Geert Wilders has been cleared of "hate speech" charges.
A court in Amsterdam said that Wilders' statements were "rude and condescending" but not a criminal offence according to Dutch law.
The case has reopened discussions over freedom of speech in the Netherlands.
Al Jazeera's Tania Page reports from Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
My comment:
This video is a perfect example of biassed reporting. That Geert Wilders was acquitted yesterday is cause for celebration, not criticism: it marks the triumph of freedom over enslavement, the triumph of freedom of speech over oppression, the triumph of the enlightenment of the West over the darkness of the East.
Millions died during World War II for the freedoms we enjoy today. Let not Islam take those freedoms away! The growth of Islam in the West is indeed a serious threat to our Western way of life. Western politicians need to awaken from their slumbers. They have been lulled into a false sense security by the myths that the liberal media has peddled about the peaceful nature of Islam.
Islam is what it has always been: a belligerent, conquering ideology clothed in a deity. The West needs to be mindful of this at all times. There are many peaceful, delightful Muslims. This is very true. But what happens to societies in which Islam gains the upper hand is there around us for all to observe. And never forget this: Where there is no separation of politics and religion, there is no hope of democracy. Without democracy, there is no hope of freedom.
Geert Wilders has won a significant victory in The Netherlands. It is to be hoped that this victory will be a seminal moment for the West. It is to be hoped that this will mark a turning point in the West’s fortunes. Long live freedom of speech! Long live democracy! – © Mark
