Geert Wilders detained in Britain

by tikun | February 12, 2009 at 08:47 am
204 views | 11 Recommendations | 11 comments

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Geert Wilders Photo: AFP

Geert Wilders Photo: AFP

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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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2
HAMID52

UK has a bad memory of Salman Rushdi so doesn't want another dillema.

1
poor oligarch

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'

1
tikun

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.

3
Fripouille

"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

1
tikun

Thanks Fripouille,

I appreciate you clearing up the confusion.

1
Paschen

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.

1
René

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.

Dutch judge says MP's comments on Islam are within the law

AFP, April 7, 2008

THE HAGUE - A DUTCH court ruled on Monday that far-right MP Geert Wilders, who earned worldwide attention after releasing an anti-Islam film in March, did not break the law when he called the Koran a 'fascist book'.

The Dutch Islamic Federation NIF filed a legal complaint against Mr Wilders for his comments, which preceded the release of his film 'Fitna', portraying the Koran as a 'fascist book' and the Muslim prophet Mohammed as 'a barbarian.'

The NIF argued that Mr Wilders was inciting hatred against Muslims and should be convicted of discrimination and forced to print a rectification.

But on Monday, the Dutch court ruled that Mr Wilders' comments 'were not considered to be unlawful'.

The court agreed with Mr Wilders that as a member of parliament he should be able to convey his views in public debate, even if they are considered harsh.

Last month, Mr Wilders posted his 17-minute-long film on the Internet.

Featuring shocking imagery of the 2001 attacks on New York along with the 2004 ones in Madrid, combined with quotes from Islam's holy book, the movie has sparked outrage in some Muslim countries.

1
René

Guess the Brits didn't want to hear the America is the Last Man Standing.

1
Fripouille

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.

1
Babel-Fish

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.        

0
Fripouille

Excellent comment, which sums up the legal side of things fairly and truthfully...

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HAMID52
First Flagged at 8:59 AM, Feb 12, 2009 by HAMID52
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