The trial of Dutch anti-Islamist politician Geert Wilders on incitement to hatred charges resumed today with a showing of his controversial film that criticises the Koran.
The screening in court of Mr Wilders's 2008 film Fitna, which accuses the Koran of inciting violence, threatened to interrupt the trial for a second time in a week when defence lawyer Bram Moszkowicz objected to comments from presiding judge Jan Moors.
When one complainant said she did not wish to see the film, which accuses the Koran of inciting violence, Mr Moors said: "I can understand that" - prompting a sharp response from Mr Moszkowicz who said such a remark was simply not allowed.
Mr Moors stressed he was not expressing any judgement over the film. Moszkowicz then reluctantly allowed the trial to proceed.
Mr Wilders, who has constant police protection because of death threats, went on trial on Monday on charges of inciting hatred and discrimination against Muslims in media comments and for insulting Muslims by comparing the Islamic faith to Nazism.
He faces a fine or a maximum prison sentence of one year at a time when the formation of a new Dutch government relies on his support.
If convicted, he would keep his parliamentary seat. In theory, the court could impose a sentence preventing him from running for re-election, but such a drastic ruling is considered by legal experts to be highly unlikely.
Monday's proceedings had to be halted when Mr Wilders, after invoking his right to remain silent, accused judges of "scandalous" bias and demanded they be replaced. The court rejected the claims yesterday.
The prosecutor, reacting to complaints about Mr Wilders, originally said he was protected by the right to free speech, but a court overruled him and ordered that he be charged.
Reuters