Trial Geert Wilders 4 Free Speech on Netwerk TV - Lawyer Theo Hiddema's excellent commentary 1-2

Because his comments are very helpful for any such case anywhere in the world. That is why I made a transcript of the discussion and translated it in English. This is the first half of it:

Excuse the quality; I recorded it with my video-camera from my PC-monitor. Important is the sound. I only recorded the two parts of the broadcast with trial-lawyer Theo Hiddema.

Reporter: "If it can be verified that it is true what Geert Wilders says, then it is no longer his opinion, but they can become facts. Can this influence the trial? Mr. Hiddema: "That is why this is such a dumm trial. For it develops into an enormous drama. Wilders compared the Koran with Mein Kampf. At first glance this looks very insulting. It can be understood this way. But it can not be prosecuted and punished if Wilders proves that the comparison can be supported by facts." Reporter: "But then these books should be compared with each other?" Hiddema: "So those judges have to read one book and then another book and decide in what degree they overlap. " Reporter: "They have to do that?" Hiddema: "Yes of course. For Wilders is going to defend himself saying that certain verses in the Koran, in regard to their inciting and violant effect against non-muslims, women, homosexuals, apostasy and so on... and let us not forget the Jews, that they show great similarity - in terms of fascist thinking patterns and solutions offered - to those that are advocated in Mein Kampf. And the court that has decided it will prosecute, easily assumes, they say "You can not insult a muslim more than by comparing his holy book with Mein Kampf. That seems quite presumptuous to me." Reporter: "But well, that is only one statement mr. Hiddema, but then all his statements have to be checked if they are facts, do they not, and then it is endless, is it not? Hiddema: No, no, the insulting nature / character - for thát is what the Court has made the point that necessitates prosecution - that court order shall I say - on bases of the comparison: 'According to the Court you are not allowed to compare the Koran with Mein Kampf. That is totally unacceptable. Worse is not possible.' I find it quite presumptuous! One: It may in fact be true what Wilders says. Two: The group (muslims) that the Court protects, seem to me the only lovers of the book (Mein kampf) that has already been forbidden. Considering the fate of the Jews in it. Reporter: This is also a statement that is not based on truth, I presume, but your opinion. Hiddema: I do not know. Is this my opinion? If I am to understand how the deserved fate of the Jews is described in the Koran, then A. Hitler can in some points take an example from it. And thís is what the Court has to verify. This will be a drama. Because if the Court decides that it is factually correct, then in the eyes of all Dutch muslims the Dutch Court, the judiciary, will be known as anti-Koran. Well, thén you have real trouble!

For the complete broadcast go to: http://netwerk.tv/uitzending/2010-01-20/proces-wilders-vrijheid-van-meningsui....

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News & Politics

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