Geert Wilders, one the Netherland’s most notorious right-wing politicians, seeks to make headlines around the world with the debut of a new film that criticizes the Koran.
A Radio Netherlands report on Dutch expatriates living in Muslim nations finds widespread concerns about a backlash over the film.
A majority, recalling the murder of Theo Van Gogh by a religious extremist over his film “Submission,” which criticized the status of women in Islam, also say that Wilders’ film project will put his own life in danger.
And almost half of “Dutch citizens in Islamic nations” said they are already facing “problems or even danger” due to Wilders’ activities.
Despite this, a majority supported Wilders’ right to free expression, and blamed the Dutch government for failing to adequately deal with pressing immigration issues at home.
Source:
“Wilders and his film worry Dutch expats”
Radio Netherlands, January 23, 2008