Dutch Statesman Wilders accused

2008 was a restless politic year in Holland. Dutch Statesman Geert Wilders released his Fitna-movie, full of criticism of religion, namely Islam.

The decision has inflamed a long-running debate in Holland about free speech and the criticism of the Islam, with critics from across the political spectrum questioning the bounds of the country's defamation laws.
However, the harsh nature of Wilders' comments and his association with the far-right Freedom Party in Holland have grouped him with an increasing number of European politicians who have used fear and resentment of Muslim immigrants to garner influence.

Although the charges against Wilders are the first to emerge from a European court, it is not the first time he has faced prosecution for his comments. In September, a Jordanian court in Amman issued charges of blasphemy and defamation against Wilders and 11 Danish editors for the publication of cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammad.