Dutch Anti-Islam MP Geert Wilders Goes On Trial

Geert Wilders: "I am sitting here as a suspect because I have spoken... nothing but the truth"

The Dutch anti-Islam MP Geert Wilders has gone on trial in Amsterdam accused of inciting hatred against Muslims.

Mr Wilders, whose statements have included comparing the Koran with Hitler's Mein Kampf, told the court freedom of expression was on trial.

BBC News reports: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11464025

If found guilty, he faces a maximum sentence of a year in jail.

Mr Wilders' Freedom Party is the third biggest in the Netherlands after June's elections, and is expected to play a key role in the next parliament.

Prosecutors have brought five charges of inciting hatred and discrimination, and the trial will scrutinise statements he made between 2006 and 2008.

Opinion: Mr. Wilders clearly has a hatred of those religions and peoples that are different from his own.  Unfortunately he doesn't seem to see that his views are both hateful and disrespectful.  I feel sorry for him and for his ignorance.