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Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders found guilty over discrimination charges

Dutch far-right Freedom Party (PVV) leader Geert Wilders has been found guilty of discrimination&...
Newstalk
Newstalk

10.58 9 Dec 2016


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Dutch far-right politician Gee...

Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders found guilty over discrimination charges

Newstalk
Newstalk

10.58 9 Dec 2016


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Dutch far-right Freedom Party (PVV) leader Geert Wilders has been found guilty of discrimination charges but walked free from court.

The anti-Islam politician was convicted of inciting discrimination against Moroccans, but escaped punishment.

Presiding Judge Hendrik Steenhuis said the court would not impose a sentence arguing the conviction was penalty enough for a democratically elected politician.

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He said no politician was above the law.

Prosecutors had been seeking a fine of €5,000.

Wilders, who had branded his trial a politically motivated "charade" that threatened free speech, has said he plans to appeal.

He had denied the allegations claiming he was fulfilling his duty as a political leader by pointing out a problem in society.

Taking to Twitter after the verdict, he accused the judges of being 'PVV hating'.

The charges relate back to a 2014 incident in which Wilders led supporters in a chant that they wanted "Fewer! Fewer! Fewer!" Moroccans in the Netherlands.

Wilders was not in court for the verdict, which comes just over three months before national elections.

The PVV is currently narrowly leading a nationwide poll of polls and has risen in popularity during the trial.


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