Wilders Prosecuted by Jordanian Court (I)

Elsevier Magazine is reporting that Jordan intends to seek the prosecution of Dutch Freedom Party (PVV) leader Geert Wilders in relation to "Fitna," a short film produced by Wilders that outlines the dangers of radical Islam for democratic society. (Link to "Fitna")

An Amman Court on Monday accepted the charges against Wilders pressed by a Jordanian group called "The Messenger of Allah Unites Us."

Wilders is accused of racism, incitement to hatred and insulting Muslims and Islam. This will be an important test-case in respect of legal Jihad.

According to Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant both the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the terrorism czar are on the case because of the implications the matter could have for freedom of expression in the Netherlands. For once it seems the Government is siding with liberty instead of signaling inter-religious solidarity.

Wilders, fearing arrest, has welcomed the Government support. "Fortunately it's taken seriously. This is hugely impacting my activities as a politician," Wilders said.

He fears the court will proceed quickly with issuing an international arrest warrant. He expects it next week.

Jordan has several options to get Wilders extradited: to have the request distributed via Interpol, or issue direct requests to countries where Wilders is visiting.

As long as Wilders remains in the Netherlands there is no problem.

The Jordanian group behind the indictment is also organizing a boycott against Dutch products.

Here's a link to a speech Wilders' recently delivered in Copenhagen, explaining his reasons for producing the film.

Continued and updated in Part II.

- Filed on Articles in "Legal Jihad" -