Netherland’s anti-Islam cartoon contest riles Muslims
An anti-Islam cartoon exhibition in the Netherlands has sparked fresh controversy across Europe, drawing fire from Muslims and religious rights activists.
An anti-Islam cartoon exhibition in the Netherlands has sparked fresh controversy across Europe, drawing fire from Muslims and religious rights activists.
Notorious far-right lawmaker Geert Wilders plans to hold a cartoon contest blaspheming Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him and his pure progeny, in November in his right-wing Freedom Party’s heavily guarded offices at the Dutch parliament.
Pakistan has already expressed anger at the event, with authorities there lodging a diplomatic protest against the plan, denouncing it as an attempt to defame Islam and Muslims.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Friday distanced his government from the contest, saying Wilders “is not a member of the government,” and that “the competition is not a government initiative.”
The Dutch premier questioned Wilders’ motive for organizing the event, saying his aim is not to have a debate about Islam.
“His aim is to be provocative,” he said, adding that people in the European country have far-reaching freedom of speech rights.
“This man, Geert Wilders, is known for testing the limits of freedom of expression. He is free to do that,” Rutte said. “The Cabinet wants to make clear it is not a Cabinet initiative.”
Wilders has previously sparked fury in Muslim countries with films and comments against Islam. The opposition lawmaker lives under a round-the-clock guard alleging that he has faced death threats.
