'Hate' trial of MP seen as fight for freedoms

The case is seen as an important test weighing Wilders' right to

freedom of speech against Dutch immigrants' rights to freedom of religion and freedom from persecution.

"This case is about more than Mr. Wilders," his lawyer Bram Moszkowicz told Amsterdam District Court. "It touches us all. It is such an important and principled question that could have far-reaching consequences."

Wilders has been charged for more than 100 public statements, including remarks comparing the Koran to Hitler's Mein Kampf and calling for it to be banned in the Netherlands.

He also produced the short film Fitna, which offended Muslims around the world by juxtaposing Koranic verses with images of terrorism by Islamic radicals.

Mr Moszkowicz challenged the court's jurisdiction yesterday and argued the charges should be dismissed. Formal opening arguments will not be heard until March. Supporters outside the court carried signs calling Wilders' prosecution an assault on freedom of speech.

Liesbeth Bouts, 66, travelled from the southern city of Eindhoven. She said the trial was brought on by the "political correctness police. They are trying to shut him up."

"He says what many people in this country think: we are against the Islam-ising of the Netherlands," she said, draped in a Dutch flag.

She said it was "ridiculous" to prosecute a politician for fairly representing his electorate.

"He has never called for violence," she said.

Presiding Judge Jan Moors assured Wilders he would receive a fair trial.

Immigrant, Muslim and anti-racism groups have long demanded Wilders be prosecuted, saying his remarks go beyond being offensive and compound ethnic tensions in the Netherlands, a country once regarded a beacon of tolerance.

Muslims make up about six per cent of the Dutch population of nearly 17 million, after a wave of immigration in the 1980s and 1990s.