Trial of Geert Wilders For Anti-Muslim Incitement Opens In Netherlands

In Amsterdam, Netherlands yesterday, the trial of Geert Wilders, an anti-Muslim right wing member of parliament, opened. Hurriyet Daily News reports that Wilders is charged with giving religious offense to Muslims and inciting hatred and discrimination against Muslims.  In his opening statement, Wilders defended freedom of speech, and then refused to answer any questions from judges. This led presiding judge Jan Moors to observe that Wilders appeared to be avoiding discussion. Wilders attorney said that this statement shows that Judge Moors is biased, and moved to have him disqualified. (See prior related posting.) Support by Wilders' Freedom Party is critical to the coalition government that will shortly take office in the Netherlands. (See prior related posting.)