Dutch politician Geert Wilders tweeted about the country’s problems with Muslims just as his trial for inciting hatred is set to begin there.
Wilders is on trial for two incidents that took place in 2014 when he told a reporter that the country should have “fewer Moroccans” and said to a crowd of supporters that he and others would “arrange that.” Wilders is well known for his anti-Islam sentiments, including saying that the Koran should be banned and mosques closed, according to The Wall Street Journal.
As the leader of the Party for Freedom, Wilders could lose his job if convicted. He has refused to attend the trial, calling it a “farce.” He was acquitted of similar charges in 2011. “It is a travesty that I have to stand trial because I spoke about fewer Moroccans,” he said, adding, “If speaking about this is punishable, then the Netherlands is no longer a free country but a dictatorship,” The New York Times reported.
More than 6,400 Dutch citizens filed complaints after Wilder’s comments during the public appearance that led to charges. The presiding judge Hendrik Steenhuis has said that he wants to determine whether the remarks were made impulsively or were planned in advance.
Most people convicted of similar charges receive community service and probation, though the charges could carry a sentence of two years in prison if convicted, the Times noted.