The Dutch government tried to defuse Muslim anger after the release of a film by a Dutch lawmaker that accuses the Koran of inciting violence.
Govt fears a far-right politician’s anti-Koran film will offend Muslims and stoke unrest
AMSTERDAM: The Dutch government tried to defuse Muslim anger after the release of a film by a Dutch lawmaker that accuses the Koran of inciting violence and shows an image of the Prophet Mohammad primed to explode. Dutch PM Jan Peter Balkenende says his government rejects the interpretation of Islam presented by far-right politician Geert Wilders .
The Netherlands was relieved at mild initial reactions to the film posted on the Web amid lingering fears that reception abroad may not be as calm. “It serves no purpose other than to offend,’’ he said. “But feeling offended must never be used as an excuse for aggression and threats.’’
Before the film’s release, demonstrators had already taken to the streets from Afghanistan to Indonesia to burn Dutch and Danish flags, and the governments of Pakistan and Iran sharply criticised the project.
NATO has expressed concern that the film could worsen security for foreign forces in Afghanistan, including 1,650 Dutch troops. A court in Rotterdam is due to hear an injunction against Wilders on Friday brought by the Dutch Islamic Federation. The politician said on Thursday the film did not break any laws.
Wilders has been under heavy guard because of Islamist death threats since the 2004 murder of Dutch director Theo van Gogh after he made a film critical of Islam’s treatment of women.
Earlier this month, Dutch officials raised the national risk level to “substantial” because of the film and perceptions of an increased Al Qaeda threat. They also asked all Dutch politicians to register their public appearances.
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