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Geert Wilders detained in Britain
by tikun | February 12, 2009 at 08:47 am
253 views | 11 Recommendations | 11 comments
This is a step backwards for freedom of speech in Britain. Does anyone know if the EU allows countries within the EU to withhold entrance from citizens of a member country of the EU?
A Dutch lawmaker barred from Britain because of his anti-Islamic views says he has been detained at Heathrow Airport and will be returned home.
Geert Wilders, creator of the controversial film 'Fitna', which suggests a link between the Islam's holy book and terrorism, sent the Associated Press a text message confirming he would be returned home within the hour.
The British government had warned Wilders he was not welcome because he posed a threat to "community harmony and therefore public security."
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First Flagged at 8:59 AM, Feb 12, 2009 by HAMID52
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (11)
at 09:01 on February 12th, 2009
UK has a bad memory of Salman Rushdi so doesn't want another dillema.
at 10:45 on February 12th, 2009
Innocent until proven guilty, but this lawmaker stands accused of lawlessness at home of course.
BBC: "Mr Wilders...faces trial in his own country for inciting hatred'
at 12:46 on February 12th, 2009
What the hell is inciting hatred? He produced a movie. First view the movie and then come back and state your case. Only this time as verified. I hate dealing with ghosts.
at 12:54 on February 12th, 2009
"Does anyone know if the EU allows countries within the EU to withhold entrance from citizens of a member country of the EU?"
Yes. I do. All countries in the EU, like all countries in the world, have the right to bar entry to any person deemed undesirable, be they from Europe or not.
This issue is simple. Either one agrees with the decision or not.
But the right of a sovereign nation to decide who does or doesn't have the right to enter its territory cannot be contested. Freedom of speech does not come into it here. This person's work and opinions are freely available on the internet, all over the world. That does not mean he is free to go where he wishes. There is some confused thinking going on here.....
Thanks
at 12:57 on February 12th, 2009
Thanks Fripouille,
I appreciate you clearing up the confusion.
at 02:25 on February 13th, 2009
I think you may be mistaken here, EU law says that all EU member have to be treated the same way any where with in the EU and have all right and privileges as well as duties as any other local EU member of the country they visit, work or live in. GB can not do this and this will be taken to the Courts in Strasbourg.
at 18:37 on February 12th, 2009
Brits are worried about the riots and violent demonstrations by their muslims if Wilders appeared in any public venue. Totally understandable, even if not very brave.
Wilders is accused, not convicted, BTW. He is also an elected popular offical, Dutch MP.
Source: topix.com
at 00:58 on February 13th, 2009
Guess the Brits didn't want to hear the America is the Last Man Standing.
at 06:58 on February 13th, 2009
Oh dear, René. That sounds a bit like the bunker mentality to me. Paranoia is not good for the health...
Moreover, the British (not the Brits, do you want me to refer to Americans as Yanks? Please keep it clean) need no lessons from anyone in fighting for what's right.
at 04:36 on February 13th, 2009
Now please take care to look at the British problem...
Lets look at the very last line of an article was used by a Israeli source as a piece of propaganda.
The last paragraph is the giveaway...
Wilders is being prosecuted in the Netherlands for hate speech after calling for a ban on the Koran.
note this incident took place before the Dutch Court cleared him of any criminal offense.
1. No country in EU would allow a EU citizen with a pending conviction of a racialist or religious nature enter a EU country with out question. Both entry and exit countries would consult for a diplomatic solution.
2. Due to the problem that going on in Gaza and the terrorist threat and the fact Wilders as become a terrorist target. The British police would required Geert Wilder to have official body guards.
The real problem is that Britain would have been in a sticky diplomatic quandary if they had let Geert Wilder into the country and even supplied security if Geert Wilder was later convicted of the crime.
Next problem is what if Britian was used as part of an excape route for a Dutch Politician excaping justice.
Now things could even be more complicated if Geert Wilder is Jewish and a Zionist?
I am sure that customs and the Home Office sent Geert Wilder home and I would expect now that he is cleared by a court then there would be no further restriction and of course he would be supplied security.
However I am always looking for propaganda within any thing written by both sides of the Arab Jewish conflict. I could be very wrong but looking at a percentage ratio of being right I would say its 75%in favour of my analysis being pretty much spot on.
I am a peace activist and take no sides, any body not sure of that only have to read my comments and article to realise I am telling the truth.
at 06:55 on February 13th, 2009
Excellent comment, which sums up the legal side of things fairly and truthfully...