The Associated Press: Dutch politician on trial on hate speech charges
Shit I'm envious. I wish I could be fighting for my freedom for expressing an opinion. What a great fucking place to live.
By this token, 100% of people here would be on trial for one thing or another.
Dutch politician on trial on hate speech charges
By TOBY STERLING (AP) – 7 hours ago
AMSTERDAM — Dutch anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders went on trial Monday for alleged hate speech, even as his popularity and influence in the Netherlands are near all time highs.
Prosecutors say Wilders incited hatred against Muslims with remarks comparing Islam to Naziism and by calling for a ban on the Quran. Wilders argues he has a right to freedom of speech and his remarks were within the bounds of the law.
If convicted, he faces up to a year in prison. He could keep his seat in parliament.
On his Twitter account, Wilders said the start of his trial was a "terrible day."
"The freedom of expression of at least 1.5 million people is standing trial together with me," he wrote, referring to the voters that made his Freedom Party the third-largest in national elections in June.
Shit I'm envious. I wish I could be fighting for my freedom for expressing an opinion. What a great fucking place to live.
By this token, 100% of people here would be on trial for one thing or another.