The first political trial in The Netherlands’ postwar history got its start yesterday. PI readers in Cologne and Munich were on site in order to demonstrate with the PVV (Partij voor de Vrijheid – Freedom Party) for the freedom of speech. Here is their report of an experience-filled day in Amsterdam.

On the eve of the first day of the hearing, the Justice Ministry surprisingly announced it possibly would not uphold the charge against Geert Wilders, even if Wilders’ trial meanwhile had already started. Anyway, it remained unclear when this decision could be reached and whether this would be a final one. Finally it was the turn of the District Attorney to put an end to the proceedings. However, they were consequently compelled by jurisdiction to carry on with criminal proceedings and to uphold the accusation against Wilders. And with that, the first day of trial took place.

By 7:30 a.m. several hundred of Geert Wilders’ supporters had already gathered in front of the Justice Building in Amsterdam whom we gladly accompanied with our own posters. This assembly exhibited a peaceful demonstration of their determination to support the brave freedom warrior to the countless media representatives who had arrived. The state network NOS was present and broadcast parts of the event live on radio and TV. Coverage of the event and discussions on talk shows continued on various Dutch stations late into the evening.

PI readers who were present were also interviewed. Fair Journalism was there, but there was also propaganda (attempts). So, after a harmless introduction, the question was asked if there are ALSO those in favor of deporting all Muslims from Europe. A demand that Geert Wilders has never made, as well as nobody else. But who does that bother? As long as one can spread his own world outlook around, he will gladly operate under assumptions.

Indeed there were open-minded media representatives present throughout, and a pleasant, even witty conversation with a correspondent from taz lightened the atmosphere some. When he asked whether we had arrived from Germany specifically for the start of the trial and what our perspective was, we referred him to one of our posters. This particular poster assailed the current establishment of some 80 Sharia Courts in Great Britain. Upon hearing the remark of one of the co-demonstrators that two different legal systems can’t exist in a constitutional state, he grinningly countered: “Two? Only one! You’ve misunderstood something here. You won’t do that very long. You need to be educated!” Whether the future news coverage of the taz will be colored with such similar humor and pleasing ideology can in any case be doubted.

Other media representatives helped us to get to our photos from the courtroom. Before that, a PI reader was asked to leave the room where the trial was being transmitted by projector to some of the viewers after having taken a photograph there.

The attending police had a quiet if not also a cold day of service because of the peaceful nature of Wilders’ supporters. Only the entrance checkpoint kept the officers busy, and in one case the explosive sniffing dog, too. Their assignment ultimately didn’t serve to keep Wilders supporters back from any violations. It was there to serve more as a hindrance to a possible attack by of the Religion of Peace on the defendant accused of making insinuations about Islam’s appetite for power.

The trial against Wilders has doubtlessly caused an increase in societal debate concerning Islam. This applies above all to Dutch society, but furthermore it applies the vision of European interests, as was also indicated by the participants in the Demonstration. Besides the Dutch, these demonstrators also came from Germany, France and Great Britain — and this list is by no means complete.

Among the Dutch themselves there is an event that frequently comes up in conversations and that sustains their impressions of Islam: the murder of Theo van Gogh (photo left: Van Gogh memorial in Amsterdam). One hears this not only among the supporters of Wilders who were present at the demonstration. It is heard even more in general conversations with people not having anything to do with this trial. It is quickly indicated in these conversations how clearly The Netherlands are split into two camps. Moreover, the opponents of Wilders can be divided into those approving of the trial, and those against it, even though they might be against his policies. Numbers of young women are notably among those who approve of Wilders’ policies, and considering the discussion about the minaret ban in Switzerland and this group’s voting behavior there, it really isn’t surprising.

In conversations with Wilders’ opponents, they always seem to bring to attention that he is criticizing a complete group of people. The nearly unavoidable “Argument” then follows that the Germans aren’t rejected even though at one time there was a Nazi dictatorship in Germany. Aside from the fact that the author of these lines has had a totally different experience, especially throughout The Netherlands (“Give me back my bicycle!”), the majority still refuses to be convinced contrary to their beliefs, even with the proper argumentation. It is indeed agreed upon when the difference between the rejection of a person (or people) and the criticism of an ideology is pointed out. However, it is deemed unacceptable to criticize “Islam as such.” There is only one group of fanatics. We will politely designate the answers to the question, what ideology this fanaticism is assigned to, as unclear.

A treat in all of this was the conversation with two media representatives in a café near the Justice Building during a trial recess. They were of the mind that an expression of opinion should not be allowed to enrage or otherwise offend. Ultimately van Gogh would have known, and Wilders should know, how Muslims react. They would not accept the objection, which might at any time cause others, about what one is allowed to say and that this can hardly be called freedom of speech. We must find another way to express our opinion so that someone doesn’t get upset.

Moreover, the murder of van Gogh has nothing to do with Islam. This was the crime of a fanatic (more commonly: isolated case). Upon the response that Muhammad had had critical artists murdered, it was asserted that this is incorrect. It was recommended to the author of these lines that he read the Koran before he expresses himself. The author countered with having already done this, which led to both representatives of the European Intellectual Elite bringing the conversation to an end (We are done talking to you!). They would have stated their opinion, which he would gladly have heard out of respect to them, and then the author of these lines would have presented his, but now he can only leave the table. Consequences have been carried out against him, however not without notification that the opinion that one supposedly would like to hear is now being considered in a criminal trial.

Other conversations went on much more pleasantly. But in every discussion with Wilders’ opponents the accusation was made that he indiscriminately attacks whole groups of people, for example, the Moroccans. When proof was shown that Wilders always distinguishes between people and ideology in English-speaking interviews, it was asserted that it is different in Dutch interviews and in the Parliament. There is where he badgers Moroccans and other groups. Aha!

After a long (and cold) day full of discussion with like-minded individuals and Politically Correct young people, there was still a pleasant and amusing evening to be spent in an Asian restaurant together with French and British Islam critics. And so, the trial has not only strengthened the discussion about the ideology of Islam but also the networking of Islam critics.

On the next morning, following a luggage check for the prevention of an attack that would have nothing to do with Islam, and after a short flight and a nice discussion with my Dutch neighbor seated next to me, our beloved Munich finally welcomed us back. Of all things, a report that yesterday a red alert had been sounded was awaiting us. It appears that everyone is in fear of an attack. Where will it come from? It can’t truly have anything to do with Islam.

» PI: Pictures from the Wilders Demonstration in Amsterdam

(Text: nockerl, Munich PI Group for German PI / Photos: Benny & Andrej, Cologne PI Group / Translation: Anders Denken)

The first political trial in The Netherlands\' postwar history got its start yesterday. PI readers in Cologne and Munich were on site in order to demonstrate with the PVV (Partij voor de Vrijheid - Freedom Party) for the freedom of speech. Here is their report of an experience-filled day in Amsterdam. On the eve of ...

Guest, 20. Feb 2010 |  Print This Post |  Email This Post | post a comment    
Kategorie: Islam, Justice, Netherlands;

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