Wilders goes on trial, charged with inciting hatred and discrimination

The trial against Dutch politician and PVV leader Geert Wilders, charged with inciting hatred and discrimination, started on 18 March 2016, at the armed Schipol court room.

His lawyer's strategy and main statement was leaked to the media shortly before the start of the trial, raising concerns that a fair trial could not be held. The document showed that Mr Wilders wanted to call prime minister Mark Rutte, his deputy Lodewijk Asscher, counter terrorism chief Dick Schoof and a number of other ministers and officials as witnesses. Those requests were all denied by the court.

Following a delay the case resumed on the 31 October 2016.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Dutch politician Geert Wilders takes aim at Moroccans and sparks outrage http://www.europeansources.info/record/dutch-politician-geert-wilders-takes-aim-at-moroccans-and-sparks-outrage/

EUObserver, 07.04.16: Wilders trial: Judge rejects request to quiz Dutch PM https://euobserver.com/beyond-brussels/132962

The Guardian, 18.03.16: Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders goes on trial for inciting hatred http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/mar/18/dutch-far-right-leader-geert-wilders-goeson-trial-for-inciting-hatred

Dutchnews.nl, 18.03.16: Wilders trial is about discrimination versus freedom of speech: prosecutor http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2016/03/87128-2/

Deutsche Welle, 18.03.16: Right-winger Wilders on trial in Netherlands - hate speech, or policy proposal? http://dw.com/p/1IFzn

EUObserver, 18.03.16: Leaked papers 'compromise' Wilders' right to fair trial https://euobserver.com/beyond-brussels/132747

BBC News, 18.03.16: Geert Wilders: Dutch MP in court on hate speech charge http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-35842922

Politico, 18.03.16: Geert Wilders’ trial for inciting hatred ‘a mess’ http://www.politico.eu/article/geert-wilders-trial-for-inciting-hatred-a-mess/

EUObserver, 14.03.16: Wilders denounces latest court case as 'political trial' https://euobserver.com/political/132663

Dutch News.nl, 31.10.16: Wilders’ hate speech trial begins at high security court http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2016/10/wilders-hate-speech-trial-begins-at-high-security-court/

Euro|Topics: Debates, October-November 2016: PVV leader Wilders on trial http://www.eurotopics.net/en/168746/pvv-leader-wilders-on-trial

Deutsche Welle, 01.11.16: Far-right Wilders skips hate speech trial in Amsterdam http://dw.com/p/2RxUI

Dutch News.nl, 28.10.16: Wilders won’t attend ‘fewer Moroccans’ trial; says it is a political process http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2016/10/wilders-wont-attend-fewer-moroccans-trial-says-it-is-a-political-process/

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