Court to rule on Dutch lawmaker hate speech case
03 02 10 A Dutch court is ruling on whether to dismiss charges against anti-immigration lawmaker Geert Wilders for allegedly inciting hate against Muslims. Wilders, one of the most popular politicians in the Netherlands, has called for a ban on the Quran, saying Islam is a violent religion and Muslim immigrants are destroying Dutch culture. Wilders says he is innocent and the case is an attack on his right to freedom of speech. He has asked the case be dismissed. Muslim groups say his rhetoric goes too far and amounts to inciting hatred against them. Freedom of religion and freedom from discrimination are guaranteed under Dutch law. If the court rules Wednesday the case should go to trial, it will also set a trial date and settle witness lists.Associated Press / eTaiwan News
