Dutch member of parliament Geert Wilders is working on a provocative TV movie on the Koran. It is the next step in his fight against what he says is a highly dangerous religion, Islam. He recently called for a ban of the Koran, which he calls fascist.
Wilders has even compared the Holy Book to Hitler's Mein Kampf. The politician says his film will be similar to Submission, the hugely controversial film made in 2004 by Theo van Gogh and Ayaan Hirsi Ali.
Party for Freedom leader
Geert Wilders
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When pushed on details Wilders does not want to reveal much. "Let people go and see the movie," he told the
Telegraaf morning daily newspaper.
And as yet it is unclear who, if anyone, will be screening the movie. Mr Wilders says he is negotiating with a television station, but adds if necessary he will air the film in the programme slot he has been allotted for his party political broadcasts. Or he could make it available via the Internet.
Dutch public broadcasters say they are unaware of the film, which is to appear in January. The Column production company that made Submission is not involved in the plan.
Reaction
The Dutch cabinet is worried about the plan. Both the Interior and the Justice Ministries have alerted Wilders to the risks he is taking with this project. The Justice Ministry says it has taken measures in case of a backlash, but the ministry also emphasizes Mr Wilders' right to express his opinion.
It is not the first time that right wing populist Wilders has been warned about the dangers of his outspoken comments. The National Co-ordinator for the Prevention of Terrorism, Tjibbe Joustra, warned the MP in September that his statements could lead to radicalisation. Such statements, said Joustra, could tip people harbouring violent plans over into action.
The Head of the Dutch security services, Sybrand van Hulst, is playing down Joustra's words in today's de Volkskrant newspaper. He says the Netherlands is getting used to inflamatory comments from right wing politicians.
Submission
A still from Submission (2004)
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Mr Wilders' film appears to be a sequel to
Submission (2004). The director of that film, Theo van Gogh, was later murdered. He made the movie with Ayaan Hirsi Ali then a liberal Dutch MP. She was forced to live under constant police protection becasue of her outspoken attacks on Islam. Submission focused on the repression of women under Islam.
It was highly provocative, showing, for example, naked women's bodies onto which texts from the Koran were projected. After the film was shown on TV it caused a storm of protest both at home and abroad. In the immediate aftermath film maker Van Gogh was briefly given police protection.
But he was killed three months later by Mohammed Bouyeri, an Islamic fundamentalist. Bouyeri pointed to Submission as being a motivating factor in his crime. He was sentenced to life imprisonment.
There has been talk of a sequel to Submission for some time, Hirsi Ali was even said to have written a script, but nothing has been produced, now it seems Geert Wilders wants to fill the gap.
RNW translation (rk)
Tags:
Geert Wilders,
Hitler,
Koran,
Qur'an,
Submission,
Theo van Gogh
standard,
01-04-2008
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Just because U are an expert [in making] movies and U are fanatic [in hating] Islam, then U make a great movie from that base? What about if there is Moslem that [is] also an expert [in making] movies, but they didn't make a movie about your religion. Will U say that we're loser..?
micokelana,
micokelana@gmail.com,
31-03-2008
- Indonesia
Just a people who want to be popular with Islam.
By the way in his movie there are some cutt heads with much blood, I just imagine if it was his head.
There aren't freedom from god in this world sir and you can't live freely, except you are dead and getting your hell.
ha..ha.... Salam from Indonesia Mr. Geert.
Peace,
12-02-2008
- Indonesia
I think that is not a good idea. I absolutely don't agree.
Muslims Against Sharia,
22-12-2007
- USA
People talk about the need to reform Islam. Now you can stop talking and start helping.
With the help of our readers we went through the Koran and removed every verse that we believe did not come from Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate. We would like to publish "Reform Koran" in as many languages as possible. If you could help with translation, editing, or distribution of the Reform Koran, please email us at koran-AT-reformislam.org. If you could provide financial support, please visit our support page.
In Memoriam of Aqsa Parvez.
http://www.reformislam.org/reform.php
Sandra,
04-12-2007
- Nederlands
After seeing what almost happend to that innocent British teacher in Sudan by a bunch of radical islamists that called for the death of this teacher just because she innocently allowed her class of seven year olds name a teddy bear Mohammad, I have had second thoughts and think some of these posters are right, we should not hide under a rock out of fear. Mr. Wilders should show that film by all means!
Dr. Kolimau 2000,
02-12-2007
- Republik Maluku Selatan.
Dear Mr.Geert Wilders,
Dear Mr.Geert Wilders,
We do appreciate your brave and hero to stand firm in denouncing the most monstrous crime against whole human kind in this universe and brutality with very savagery acts of inhuman being committed by butchery and terrorist of muslin radical people in the Christian society's empire. Therefore you are awake up all Christianly around the world in order to compartilhate our common goal to eliminate the muslin fanatic and senseless in Christian society in order we do prevail the real freedom for all human kind without boundaries in this Globe. We do share with your performance and determination to stand and publicly denounced these horrible crime moved by muslin fanatic and extremist terrorist in our generation era.
Maria Martin Oerlemans,
01-12-2007
- Australia
What is happening to your Democratic and Christian country? It makes my blood boil when I read about it. Who are these people?. Keeping silent is not the answer. You are the landlords. Do not let them take over your home. Wake up Holland and face the truth. All of you should look up to Geert Wilders for not hiding behind the bush. Bless him.
Hobart Stinson,
01-12-2007
- USA
Hiding your heads will only exacerbate the problem with radicals like the Islamists. Free exchange of information is what makes free societies stronger and more vibrant. If the information is uncomfortable then the more it has to be discussed.
Rather than being afraid of inciting riots, why don't the Muslims react by inciting debates, discussions, and civilzed behavior?
Why don't we Westerners, and most of us in the US are supporters of free speech, stand up and call for debate with those who are offended by a movie?
No excuse for violence is possible. The future of our entire civilization depends on civil discourse and discussion. If a group cannot abide by the basic conventions of our civilization then they do not belong here.
Alfie St Taurie,
29-11-2007
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Geert Wilders is absolutey correct to label Islam a dangerous religion. If you can't see this reality you are in some form of deep denial. Having seen numerous jihadi websites and the shocking brutality that they are capable of, I say YES, ISLAM IS A DANGEROUS RELIGION! However, I believe his decision to go ahead is a mistake because it will play right into the hands of rabid Muslims who always love an excuse for mass rioting and destruction. January 2008 will see shocking violence for days on end, possibly weeks if this film goes ahead - count on it.
C.Anderson,
29-11-2007
- USA
The world needs more people like you who aren’t afraid to speak their minds. I think Mr Wilders is doing a great job in putting out an issue that other people are afraid to talk about. The majority of what other people’s reactions are out of fear of repercussions. I’m sure a lot of you are prejudice against my comment simply because I am an American, but I believe that utilizing your right to speak your mind is highly important in today’s world. Though I can’t give your film a thumbs up since I haven’t yet seen it, I, and everyone I know, would like to see your film and should. Good luck Mr Wilders!
Tausif,
29-11-2007
- USA
He seems like a sick man, lacks love and I bet doesn't get any attention and is looking for some... SICK he is and needs to be institutionalized. Look at his hair doo... a bird is sitting on it?
Scott Gardner,
29-11-2007
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One of the comments suggests that the movie should not be shown because it would insite violence. What, do you think these people are just sitting around playing cards and then all of a sudden decide to strap a bomb to themselves because they saw a movie that offended them? Wake up. These people are hellbent on destroying the way of life our forefathers died for. In our generation, we don't even have the balls to stand up for what we believe in because we are scared we might make people mad. Show the movie and make many more. Bravo to Mr Wilders! People think speaking up against the Iraq war (which history will judge a turning point in the battle of cultures) surrounded by their liberal friends on university campuses takes courage.... ha! Mr Wilders is pointing out real evil and his life is threatened for it. Thats courage. Not as much courage as the American boys getting their asses shot off in Iraq, but courage. Its time that Islam got on board with the 21st century. It is also time that people begin to recognise what we are facing and dire consequences of ignoring radical Islam. Mr Wilders is doing the tough job of educating people who for whatever reason can't see the gun pointed at their head.
irene,
29-11-2007
- Canada
I agree with Vera's comment. What purpose, other than inflame hatred, does it serve? There is enough hatred created for the whole world, no need to add more sparks to the burning fire.
Joe shmoe,
29-11-2007
- Netherlands
At a time when the need is to reduce inflammatory temperatures, this is irresponsible. While I defend the right to free speech, shouting 'fire' in a crowded theater is actually illegal. Ask yourself the question, do you want to leave your children a world that has more prejudice and hate or do you want to leave them a world with more love? What do you think such a movie will do?
Sandra,
29-11-2007
- Nederlands
Oh bloody hell, Wilders you are going way too far and not only putting yourself in danger but the entire Country at risk by getting radical terorrists angry enough to target the Netherlands in a terrorist attack!
