The tide continues to rise

The famously libertine Dutch appear less inclined to defend freedom of speech these days...

"The Amsterdam appeals court has ordered the prosecution of member of parliament Geert Wilders for inciting hatred and discrimination, based on comments by him in various media on Muslims and their beliefs," the court said in a statement.

"The court also considers appropriate criminal prosecution for insulting Muslim worshippers because of comparisons between Islam and Nazism made by Wilders," it added.

The court's ruling reverses a decision last year by the public prosecutor's office, which said Mr Wilders's comments had been made outside parliament as a contribution to the debate on Islam in Dutch society and that no criminal offence had been committed.

Wilders may not be the most moderate or reasonable voice calling for an examination of the effects of Muslim migration into Europe, but his actions are certainly no more hateful or inflammatory than these. The learned lesson seems to be to side with those who throw violent tantrums when you offend their sensibilities. But freedom cannot be defended in such a manner.