Wilders on trial - first full day

by John Tyler
Radio Netherlands Worldwide
January 20, 2010

http://www.legal-project.org/609/wilders-on-trial-first-full-day

Excerpt:

The trial of far-right Dutch politician Geert Wilders on charges of discrimination and inciting hatred got underway today in an Amsterdam court.

Geert Wilders sat expressionless next to his lawyers at the defendant's table while the public prosecutor read out the charges, including incitement toward hatred of Muslims, incitement toward hatred of Moroccans, and discrimination against Moroccans and non-western immigrants.

Something missing
Mr Wilders' attorney, the well-known criminal defence lawyer Bram Moszkowicz, asked the court to have the entire writ against his client read out in court. The panel of three judges said it was unnecessary, but did instruct the prosecutor to read out Mr Wilders' statements on which the case is based.

After the statements had been read, the senior judge had the following exchange with the defendant (translated):

Judge: "Mr Wilders, I can see that you are listening very intently, but what are you feeling right now? I cannot sense any emotion in you whatsoever."

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