Anti-Islam Dutch lawmaker put on trial for inciting racial hatred

The Hague, Oct. 4 (ANI): Dutch anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders has been put on trial on charges of inciting racial hatred against Muslims.

According to The Telegraph, Wilders, 47, is charged with five counts of giving religious offence to Muslims and inciting hatred and discrimination against Muslims and people of non-Western immigrant origin, particularly Moroccans.

The controversial politician risks up to a year in jail or a 7,600-euro (6,600 pounds) fine for calling Islam "fascist" and likening the Koran to Hitler's Mein Kampf.

Wilders comments were widely reported between October 2006 and March 2008 in Dutch newspapers and on internet forums, prosecutors have claimed.

Wilders' Party for Freedom (PVV) came third in June 9 elections with 24 seats out of 150 in the Dutch lower house of parliament.

Under a coalition deal being finalised, his PVV will provide assistance to the Christian Democrats and liberals with the majority they need to pass decisions through parliament in return for agreement on certain policy. (ANI)