Dutch prosecutors want to drop charges against Wilders

BBC:

Dutch prosecutors have recommended acquitting leading anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders on all five charges of hate speech.

They said his comments had targeted Islam, not Muslims, and he had the right to comment on social issues.

The trial will continue next week and judges may still disagree with the prosecution and convict Mr Wilders.

...

"Criticism [of religion] is allowed," Ms van Roessel told the Amsterdam district court.

"It would be hurtful to many Muslims when Wilders calls for a ban on the Koran but the feelings of this group can play no role in determining the facts of the case."

Mr Velleman told the court that most of the politician's remarks seemed to have targeted Islam as an ideology rather than singling out Muslims for abuse.

...
While I think this is a correct interpretation of the facts, the fact is that the charges never should have been brought and those on the appeals court insisting that the case be brought are just flat wrong.

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