"Jailed illegals can't mug jewelers," Wilders

PVV party leader Geert Wilders continued today to attempt to link all Moroccans with criminal activity, saying, “A locked-up illegal mugs no jeweler.” The statement was in response both to the coalition government’s agreement not to criminalize people who illegally enter the Netherlands, and the recent shootings of two burglars by a jewelry store owner. The two robbers died in the incident. One was quickly known to be of Moroccan descent, while the other was also identified as such days later. Wilders used social media to attack the coalition parties, calling their policy decision “cowardly,” and saying, “Are you illegal, then you are welcome in NL.” He remarked that it was "incomprehensible" for the VVD to drop criminalization in favor "a couple of nickels," referring to a PvdA-backed tax break set to save middle- and high-income people €500 million annually. Geert Wilders has been under heavy fire for weeks after leading a rally calling for fewer Moroccans in the Hague. His staunch defense of those comments have been linked to PVV’s declining popularity in recent political polls, and the resignations of several officials from the party.