Skip to main content
Home

Main navigation

  • Top stories
  • Health
  • Crime
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Tech
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Weird
  • 1-1-2
Image
Geert Wilders
Geert Wilders - Credit: Photo: btwcapture/DepositPhotos
Politics
Geert Wilders
PVV
hate speech
fewer Moroccans
Supreme Court
public prosecutor
Tuesday, July 6, 2021 - 12:50
Share this:
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • whatsapp
  • reddit

Supreme Court upholds Wilders guilty verdict in hate speech trial

The Supreme Court of the Netherlands upheld a guilty verdict against PVV leader Geert Wilders on Tuesday for inciting hatred and violence against a group of people. The verdict brings the case against the leader of the right wing nationalist political party to a close after seven years in the Dutch judicial system.

"Group insult is prohibited under the Criminal Code," said the chair of the court in its ruling, according to NOS. "Even a politician must adhere to the basic principles of the rule of law and must not incite intolerance."

This case revolves around statements the PVV leader made about Moroccans while campaigning in The Hague in March 2014. Wilders asked a cafe full of people whether they want "more or fewer Moroccans in this city and the Netherlands". The audience responded by chanting "fewer, fewer, fewer". And Wilders said: "Well, then we will arrange that."

“Unnecessarily damaging,” the court said of his statements, according to the Telegraaf. "Even if it was done in the context of the political debate."

Also in March 2014, Wilders said that The Hague should be a city with fewer problems and, if possible, fewer Moroccans. He was previously acquitted for crimes related to the latter.

In December 2016, Wilders was found guilty of insulting a group of people and inciting discrimination, though the court imposed no form of punishment, saying that the verdict is punishment enough. The Public Prosecutor demanded a 5 thousand euro fine, which was not issued. Both Wilders and the Prosecutor appealed.

Last September, the Court of Appeals upheld the previous ruing, finding Wilders guilty but imposing no punishment.

For years, Wilders has referred to the case against him with scorn, and considered it to be a political witch hunt orchestrated by the top of the Ministry of Justice and Security. The courts have repeatedly struck down his claim that the trial was politically motivated for a lack of evidence.

No appeal is possible in the Netherlands against the Supreme Court ruling. The only possible step to take this case further is submitting it the the European Court of Human Rights, where citizens can file a complaint if they believe a State violated their human rights.

Follow us:

Latest stories

  • Footballer's death not definitively linked to fight; Four still arrested
  • GeldreDome safe for Vitesse final playoffs, Arnhem insists despite owner's concerns
  • Philips dropped the ball in sleep apnea machine recall: Inspectorate
  • Schiphol to reduce crowds with new landing slot rule; Labor union talks continue
  • Municipalities under intense administrative pressure with Ukrainian refugees
  • National Sinterklaas arrival parade in Hellevoetsluis this year

Top stories

  • Schiphol expects crowds due to Ascension Day long weekend
  • Dutch gov't to admit to consititutional racism at Tax Authority
  • Riots in Rotterdam after Feyenoord's loss; 72 arrested, 2 cops hurt
  • Worst evening rush hour this year with 1,100 kilometers of traffic jams
  • Amsterdam pushes liveability for all; 7,500 new homes, car-free areas, regulated MDMA
  • Army won't help out at Schiphol yet

© 2012-2022, NL Times, All rights reserved.

Footer menu

  • Privacy
  • Contact
  • Partner content