WILDERS ANTI-KORAN FILM: THE NETHERLANDS FEARS ATTACKS ON PEOPLE AND PROPERTIES
Calls to kill Mr. Wilders should be strongly condemned
Freedom of expression is one of the cornerstones of the Dutch democracy. Within the boundaries of the law, one may say whatever one wants to. However, even within these boundaries, expressing one’s view can be highly irresponsible, especially if the purpose thereof is to demonize and offend others. The Dutch politician Geert Wilders is a symbol of zero-tolerance and a champion of disrespectful remarks, and thus of irresponsible behavior.
I very much oppose the ideas and tactics of Geert Wilders, and if only half of what is said about the provocative movie he is making about the Koran (Quran) is true, I strongly disapprove of his movie too. Mr. Wilders is demonizing and offending millions of people because of their religious beliefs. He very much goes against Dutch norms in doing so. According to Wilders the Islam itself (thus not only certain followers) is a dangerous and violent religion, and in his opinion Muslims should get rid of half of the Koran and moreover, the Koran should be legally banned. He uses cheap rhetoric and chauvinistic views to gain political power. He uses and stirs up fear of others. It should be clear to the world that the vast majority in the Netherlands opposes Wilders’ behavior and tactics. There should be no doubt about that, period.
We recently learned that broadcasting the movie (which no one has seen yet) would not only cause damage to the economy and security of the Netherlands, but may endanger Mr. Wilders’ life as well. It appears that certain radical Muslims wish to kill Mr. Wilders. There is apparantly an Al-Qaida-related website calling for a jihad against Mr. Wilders. This is also unacceptable. However much Mr. Wilders belies the Dutch way of thinking, the government of the Netherlands may not (and will not) shirk its responsibility to protect Mr. Wilders from any physical attack whatsoever. The government should also strongly condemn calls to kill Mr. Wilders, period.
However, let’s not make the same mistake as Mr. Wilders. We should condemn the radicals not the Muslims or the Koran in general. What, above all, should be promoted is a dialogue among Muslims and others in a spirit of respect for religious and other beliefs and convictions.
Karel Frielink
Attorney (Lawyer) / Partner
