Dutch terror alert on anti-Islam film

[Woodmonkey]

THE HAGUE: The Netherlands has raised its terrorism alert level to "substantial" because of the planned release of an anti-Islam film by a far-right politician, the Justice Ministry said yesterday.

"While there are no concrete indications of impending attacks in The Netherlands, the increased international terrorism threat has prompted (us) to raise the threat level for The Netherlands from 'limited' to 'substantial'," the ministry said.

"Compounding the threat is the fact that The Netherlands has been cast in a negative light in the Islamic world due to the tone of the debate on Islam in this country, especially since the announcement of a controversial film on the Koran."

Far-right parliamentarian Geert Wilders has said that his short movie - which he says attacks the Koran as a "fascist book" - will air this month.

The international media attention for Mr Wilders's movie "has led to the posting of death threats against the Freedom Party leader on one of the leading international jihadist web forums", according to the national anti-terrorism co-ordinator NCTb.

Other factors, such as the Dutch Government's decision to extend the mandate of Dutch troops fighting in Afghanistan, were also taken into account in raising the threat assessment.

The Wilders film has caused uproar in Muslim countries, some of whom have called for an economic boycott of The Netherlands if the film is shown. Iran, Egypt and Pakistan all voiced criticism about the film.

In Afghanistan hundreds of protesters took to the streets this week, while the Taliban has vowed revenge against the 1600 Dutch soldiers stationed in the country if the movie is shown.

The Dutch Government has twice failed to convince Mr Wilders not to broadcast his film, fearing a repeat of the worldwide protests that met the publication of satirical Danish cartoons of the prophet Mohammed.

The last time the Dutch raised their threat level to "substantial" was in 2004, when religious and racial tensions simmered after an Islamic militant killed director Theo Van Gogh in 2004 over a film he made accusing Islam of condoning violence against women.

Dutch Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen met ambassadors from 30 Muslims countries to explain The Hague's position.

The Dutch Government says it supports Mr Wilders's right to freedom of expression but stressed that did not mean The Hague shared his opinions.

Mr Wilders has said repeatedly he will not bow to pressure. He is still trying to find a broadcaster to air his film, Fitna.

The European Commission has warned its overseas offices of the risk of protests related to Mr Wilders's movie.

The Source

[conlor]

No 'free speech' there. I hope nothing happens.

[Woodmonkey]

The Dutch strongly believe in free speech, but they're up against the devil in this.