BBC News, 23 June 2011
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Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders has been acquitted of all charges of inciting hatred against Muslims.
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| Mr Wilders described Islam as 'fascist', comparing the Koran to Hitler's Mein Kampf |
Judges in a court in Amsterdam delivered their verdict in a broadcast that was carried live on Dutch TV.
Mr Wilders had described Islam as "fascist", comparing the Koran to Hitler's Mein Kampf.
He insisted his remarks were part of a legitimate political debate.
Both the defence and prosecution had called for an acquittal.
Symbolic fine?
Mr Wilders had always insisted his statements were directed at Islam and not at Muslim believers - something which is legal under Dutch law.
But the members of minority groups who initiated the case told judges that Mr Wilders' comments had led to a rise in discrimination and violence against Muslims.
Charges against Geert Wilders
- Intentionally offending Muslims
- Inciting hatred against Muslims
- Inciting discrimination against Muslims
- Inciting hatred of non-western immigrants
Plaintiffs had been seeking a symbolic one-euro fine. The have said they will consider taking their case to the European Court of Human Rights.
Mr Wilders was charged with inciting hatred and discrimination in January 2009, based on a number of his anti-Islamic statements made in his controversial film Fitna and in comments to the media. His trial began in January 2010, and was the first in the Netherlands to be broadcast live.
Although not part of the coalition government, the support of Mr Wilders's Freedom Party (PVV) keeps it in power.
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