Will the British Arrest Geert Wilders?

02-10-2009

Brussels Journal reports that Dutch politician Geert Wilders has received a letter from the British ambassador to the Netherlands announcing he is "persona non grata" in the United Kingdom.

"The ambassador told Mr. Wilders that he is a threat to public security and public harmony because of the controversy created by Fitna."

It was just announced this morning that Wilders had been invited to show his short film "Fitna" in a private session at the Parliament in London on Thursday.

"Fitna," which portrays Islam as a violent religion, was an international sensation on the internet last year and brought death threats against Wilders, as well as threats of criminal prosecution by some Muslim nations.

And a Dutch court has instructed prosecutors to try Wilders in the Netherlands for hate speech.

Wilders, who says he will go to Britain anyway, responded to the British warning with "Let them arrest me in Heathrow."

The Dutch government is reportedly protesting the British move to block an EU parliamentarian from visiting another EU country. 

If you havent seen my interview with Wilders last year, you can watch it here:

And no, I don't think the British will arrest Wilders, but it certainly looks as if they may block his entry.

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