Wilders Dutch hate speech case 'should be dropped' (Netherlands)

Dutch prosecutors have recommended acquitting leading anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders on all five charges of hate speech.

They said his comments had targeted Islam, not Muslims, and he had the right to comment on social issues.

The trial will continue next week and judges may still disagree with the prosecution and convict Mr Wilders.
Prosecutors were obliged to look at the case again after an appeals court decision last year.

The trial of Mr Wilders, who compared the Koran to Hitler's Mein Kampf, has gripped the Netherlands.

His Freedom Party's support is crucial to the country's new coalition government.

'Sowing hatred'
Prosecutors had initially declined to press charges against Mr Wilders in June 2008.

But they were ordered to do so in January 2009 by the appeals court, which ruled that there was significant evidence that the politician had sought to "sow hatred".

Prosecutors Birgit van Roessel and Paul Velleman reached their conclusions on Friday after studying interviews with, and articles by, Mr Wilders as well as his anti-Koran film Fitna.

"Criticism [of religion] is allowed," Ms van Roessel told the Amsterdam district court.

"It would be hurtful to many Muslims when Wilders calls for a ban on the Koran but the feelings of this group can play no role in determining the facts of the case."

Mr Velleman told the court that most of the politician's remarks seemed to have targeted Islam as an ideology rather than singling out Muslims for abuse.

Mr Wilders is accused of inciting hatred against Muslims and inciting hatred against Moroccans specifically as well as non-Western immigrants.

Since receiving death threats, Mr Wilders enjoys 24-hour state protection.

A week ago, a centre-right coalition was formed in the Netherlands between the Liberal and Christian Democrat parties, to rule as a minority government dependent on the support of the Freedom Party in parliament.

While the party of Mr Wilders will remain outside government, the new coalition says it plans to ban the full Islamic veil in the Netherlands.

BBC News

The new anti-Semitism (Germany)

Having seen the disastrous consequences of virulent anti-Semitism firsthand, Germany must lead the fight against Europe’s rising intolerance towards Muslims, writes The Local’s Marc Young.

Pedants never tire of pointing out that the term anti-Semitism should not solely apply to prejudice against Jews, but also other Semitic peoples like the Arabs.

For once, I’m for backing such Semitic semantics in light of the increasingly acrid debate about the integration of Arab and Turkish immigrants in Germany. In recent weeks, it’s become rather apparent that bigotry towards Muslims is Europe’s new anti-Semitism.

Last weekend, Horst Seehofer, the conservative state premier of Bavaria, sparked outrage by calling for an end to immigration from Islamic countries. Many German observers chalked up his comments as a ham-fisted attempt to bolster support for his Christian Social Union party by pandering to crass xenophobia.

But Seehofer’s remarks followed several of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservatives expressing unease over German President Christian Wulff’s recent statement that Islam was as much a part of German society as Christianity and Judaism. One Bavarian politician even said there could be no religious equality for Islam in Germany.

Of course, anyone who thinks Muslim influence on European culture was rolled back with the Turks at the gates of Vienna in 1683 should try living without the benefits of algebra for a day.

But the contentious national discussion started over the summer by the centre-left Social Democrat Thilo Sarrazin – who claimed in an inflammatory book that Muslim immigrants would be Germany’s downfall – should not be dismissed lightly as harmless populism by insecure politicians.

Just as the statistic-loving former Bundesbank board member Sarrazin wrongly reduced entire groups of people to numbers, Seehofer has maligned individual Turks and Arabs by damning them collectively.

And such publicly professed prejudice has consequences.

Two studies published this week showed German youths held widespread biases against Turks and that xenophobia in Germany was spreading.

Tragically it took something as horrific as the Holocaust to ensure Jews equal treatment in Western democracies like Britain and the United States, where anti-Jewish attitudes were rife prior to World War II. No-one should forget that it was only the incomparable crimes of Nazi Germany committed against Europe’s Jewry that made it no longer socially acceptable to express anti-Semitic sentiments openly.

But unlike many nations, Germans have unflinchingly confronted the darker parts of their past in order to learn from it. Accordingly, Germany must now not allow an entire group of people be discriminated against because of their religion or heritage.

Many German conservatives have recently mentioned the country’s “Christian-Judeo” traditions – something that would normally be expressed in English as being Judeo-Christian. But it’s not just the chronological order of the three monotheistic faiths Judaism, Christianity and Islam that makes it easy to include the Jews while excluding Muslims.

It’s also the Holocaust. People who these days deny the huge cultural contribution of Jews to German society are beyond the pale – and rightfully so. But it doesn’t take a huge stretch of the imagination to apply the ugly rhetoric currently being directed towards Muslims to Germany’s Jewish population before the war.

Let me be painfully clear here – I am in no way equating the persecution Jews suffered at the hands of the Nazis with the anti-Muslim sentiment now simmering in modern, democratic Germany.

However, just as it was once acceptable to badmouth Jews and scapegoat them for society’s ills – in Germany as well as Western democracies like America and Britain – millions of law-abiding, well-integrated Muslims are now being targeted unfairly.

It would be easy to say this new anti-Semitism started on September 12, 2001, but Europe’s immigration issues have little to do with overblown fearmongering about Osama bin Laden’s “Islamofascists” plotting world domination. Germany’s Muslim integration problems are of a longer festering sort caused first and foremost by the country’s denial for decades that immigrants from Turkey and elsewhere were here to stay.

There is no point disputing that Arabs and Turks could be better integrated in German society, but labelling them all as unwanted troublemakers simply because of their faith contravenes the core tenets of liberal Western democracy.

No matter your race, creed or colour, if you adhere to the principles of the constitution – the Basic Law in Germany’s case – you should be welcome. Anything else is bigotry, plain and simple.

The Local Germany



 

Jewish community mulls meeting with neo-nazi tagger (Canada)

Members of Calgary’s Jewish community will meet to decide whether they want a face-to-face conference with the neo-nazi who went on a racist vandalism spree.

The teen’s sentencing hearing was adjourned Friday so community leaders could discuss the possibility of such a gathering.

Adam Singer, president of the Calgary Jewish Community Council, said there are potential pros and cons to such a process.

“We need to give this serious consideration,” Singer said, after meeting with Crown prosecutors Jenny Rees and Karuna Ramakrishnan on the idea of holding a community conference with the teen.

“There could be an upside and there could be a downside.”

Youth court Judge Todd LaRochelle suggested such a get-together could be helpful for the offender, who went on an anti-Semitic spray-painting spree last Nov. 14.

“It might be beneficial for (him) to someday walk in someone else’s shoes,” LaRochelle said, before adjourning the case to Dec. 9.

Defence counsel Jim Lutz said his client was open to the idea of a community conference, a procedure under the Youth Criminal Justice Act which joins offenders with victims.

The teen earlier pleaded guilty to charges of mischief to property and promoting hatred against an identifiable group.

He had his now ex-girlfriend drive him around the city’s southwest where he targeted Jewish facilities, including the Chabad Lubavitch Jewish Synagogue and areas around the Jewish Community Centre.

He drew swastikas and wrote racist comments including “kill Jews,” and profane words on communal mailboxes, a nearby fence and a second place of worship, the House of Jacob Synagogue.

The teen, a known Aryan Nations associate, a well-known, neo-nazi group, can’t be identified under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

He remains at liberty pending sentencing.

Calgary Sun

A whirlwind of hatred against the disabled (UK)

Just how far are we, as a society, prepared to let violent crime against the disabled spiral upwards?

The details are sickening. For three days a gang of 18-year-olds tortured a younger autistic boy. They kicked him, stamped on his head, scraped his skin with sandpaper, pelted him with dog shit, forced him to drink alcohol until he passed out and stuck tape to his genitals.

The thugs laughed as they filmed themselves abusing their terrified victim, who can be heard whimpering for mercy. The ordeal only ended when his aunt saw a trainer print on his face. And why did they carry out these vile assaults? Simply because they were bored, they told a court this week.

Apparently Jonathan Geake, the so-called judge in the case, sympathised with their predicament. The three assailants were given just 80 hours' unpaid community work and a three-month curfew. No signing of the sex offenders register, despite the sexual overtones to the attack. No jail sentence. No justice.
Mencap is now leading a campaign to persuade the attorney general to review this shocking case. But tragically it is not an isolated event. It is just the latest horror story in an epidemic of hate crimes against people with disabilities.

The statistics should shame us all. Nine out of 10 people with learning difficulties have suffered bullying or harassment – indeed, even as the thugs from Eccles were being convicted this week, cases emerged of a disabled woman being bottled as she arrived at her home in Essex and a Yorkshire woman tipped from her wheelchair and mugged. And there is at least one trial going on over the killing of a disabled person, with another looming.

Three years ago there was outrage after the death of Fiona Pilkington, who killed herself and her disabled daughter after years of abuse. Politicians, police and council chiefs all said never again – then said it again after the death of David Askew earlier this year after similar harassment. Yet a recent report found evidence of 68 violent deaths of disabled people and more than 500 potential disability hate crimes over the past three years.
There is no official data on hate crimes against the disabled, since the government does not think it is worth publishing. One helpline has fielded a near-doubling in the number of calls from disabled victims this year, but there have been just 576 prosecutions over the last two years, compared with 11,264 for racial and religious crimes over the last year alone.

We need to wake up to this whirlwind of hate, driven by fear of difference and a symptom of a society that fails to embrace those with disabilities. Communities must look out for those in need of help. Teachers must stop tolerating hateful language and bullying. Police and council officials must tackle the low-level abuse that devastates life for so many – and, as in the Pilkington and Askew cases, can end up with a funeral.

We recognise the need to confront racist and homophobic abuse, but tolerate it against people with disabilities. Indeed, just as judges once told rape victims to cross their legs, teachers tell disabled pupils to toughen up, police tell people in wheelchairs that being abused is a fact of life, and local authorities move those who are harassed rather than their assailants. And in court, the evidence of people with learning difficulties is ignored: nearly three times as many prosecutions for disability hate crimes fail as compared with all other crimes.
In Manchester this weekend there are three sadistic young men swaggering around, no doubt still laughing, not least at how they escaped jail. And in another part of Britain their scarred victim is trying to rebuild his life, having being forced to move home as punishment for being tortured. Is this really the kind of country we want to live in?

Ian Birrell  The Guardian
The author is the father of a child with profound learning difficulties

Protester cleared of assaulting policeman (UK)

An English Defence League activist has been acquitted of assaulting a police officer at the organisation’s Bolton protest earlier this year.

Amanda Rutland was accused of “lashing out” at a police dog and its handler as officers tried to disperse the crowds in Le Mans Crescent on March 20.

The mum-of-four, aged 36, walked free from court yesterday after Bolton Magistrates found her not guilty of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour and assaulting PC Simon Ritchie.

The court heard that Rutland, of West Turville, Buckinghamshire, was bitten on the arm by a police dog during the protest and was later approached by PC Ritchie.

PC Ritchie claimed Rutland was aggressive, shouted at him, tried to headbutt him and scratched his face.
She said she had not kicked the dog and denied assaulting him. Magistrates said they had seen no evidence of Rutland being violent or abusive.

Her husband, Ben, told the court that PC Ritchie had demanded his wife came with him for medical attention and, when she refused, stopped her walking away by grabbing her wounded arm “right in the middle of the bandage”.

Speaking outside court, Mrs Rutland said: “I’ve been vindicated.”

This is Lancaster

Racist billboard taken down (USA)

A billboard widely criticized as racist for its cartoonish caricatures of President Barack Obama was taken down Friday after the unknown person who put it up received death threats.

The artist, Paul Snover, who was paid $500 for the artwork on the billboard, also received hate mail and threats.

Snover's cartoon showed four versions of Obama -- as a terrorist, a gangster, a Mexican and a homosexual man -- seated around a poker table.

A local Tea Party group had reportedly planned a rally around the billboard Friday, but it was taken down before they got to the location.

"While we do not condone threats of violence of any kind against anyone, we are pleased that the billboard has come down. The type of rhetoric it articulated has real consequences," said Brad Clark, executive director of One Colorado, a LGBT advocacy group. "With national attention focused on the devastating impact of bullying and harassment in our schools, adults should be setting the example, not fueling the fire. Hateful, irresponsible messages like these only serve to perpetuate stereotypes and harassment against our friends and neighbors.

"They do not unite a community."

KDVR

Police Chief Claims Racism In Fight With Councilors (USA)

Dozens of people rallied Friday in support of a small town police chief who they claim is being targeted because he is black and on an opposing side of a small town political quarrel.

The town council of Brooklyn, a small community in Morgan County, intended to meet in executive session to discuss the future of Chief Chris Hester, 6News' Rick Hightower reported.

Because of a technicality in the public notice posting about the meeting, councilors couldn't proceed. Hester and media members weren't allowed inside.

Outside, Hester was backed up by about 100 supporters as he claimed at least one council member made racially sensitive remarks about him and wants him ousted as chief.

"I believe (racism) by one or two of them, yes. I believe they're just still stuck in the 1800s, 1900s," he said. "I have proof. I have audio, and I have witnesses. This is just absolute harassment, in my opinion."

Four Indiana State Police troopers were on hand to ensure no trouble erupted between opponents.

"It's just discrimination against people I think is wrong," said Erika Underwood, one of Hester's supporters. "Chris is a very good person and policeman."

Council members left without speaking to the media, but 6News interviewed Frank Sams, one of the men Hester accused of making racial remarks, later at his home.

"I have no idea why they would ever think it's racist," Sams said, adding that he doesn't think there is audio of him uttering a racist remark. "I'm unhappy with the job he's doing."

Sams claimed that Hester hasn't cut speeding in town and that he's hard to find.

An executive session was rescheduled for Oct. 21. It will be followed by a public meeting where the council could take action against Hester, who filed complaints with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The Indy Channel

Cats star backing anti-racism drive (UK)

Sundeland's star striker has backed the club's involvement in a nationwide anti-racism campaign.

Darren Bent is an ambassador for Kick It Out, which has organised One Game, One Community to encourage diversity in all levels of football.

As part of the scheme, the Black Cats will be hosting a day of action on Saturday,One Game, One Community started yesterday and runs until October 26.
Sunderland's contribution is one of more than 1,000 events taking place across the country at every professional club, as well as schools, universities and community centres.

Against Villa, England striker Bent will join his team-mates in wearing One Game, One Community T-shirts for their pre-match warm-up, a giant flag bearing the logo will be carried out by the ball boys and Sunderland's staff will be wearing One Community badges for the game.

Bent said: "The work that Kick It Out has done has made a real difference.

"It's become a mainstay of the football calendar, and I'm proud to be an ambassador.

"All of the players at Sunderland support the initiative, and we will continue to do everything we can to promote inclusion."

SAFC Foundation, the club's official charity, is working with young people to promote integration between communities in a safe environment.

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn said: "The week of action has been instrumental in helping to promote our sport in a more positive light, and I'm delighted that it continues to go from strength to strength.

"It's fantastic to see players, clubs and fans coming together under the powerful message of One Game, One Community, and Sunderland will continue to fully support and embrace this cause."

Lord Herman Ouseley, chairman of Kick It Out, said: "Collectively, we continue to make strides in the fight for equality across the game. Clubs, however, have a unique power to act as the catalyst for this progress.

"The One Game, One Community weeks of action illustrate this perfectly, as clubs, along with players and fans, combine to send out the strongest message that football is our game, and there to be enjoyed by everyone."

The campaign is backed by football's governing bodies and is the largest sporting initiative of its kind worldwide.

To find out how to get involved or to learn about local activities and events, visit www.kickitout.org.

Jarrow and Hebburn gazette

Show racism the red card as the Iron take on Doncaster Rovers (UK)

THE Iron is throwing its weight behind a campaign to kick racism out of football at today's derby match.

Players will wear Kick It Out T-shirts before the midday kick-off against Doncaster Rovers and a banner parade will urge everyone to show racism a red card.

The full squad and manager Ian Baraclough are behind thecampaign, which is running an action week under the title 2010 One Game One Community.

Abid Khan, who has been involved with Kick It Out for seven years, is delighted to have their backing.

He said: "It's very important to raise awareness to ensure that racism does not exist.

"It has no place in the game but a lot of people tell me in the lower divisions and the basement leagues there's a lot of racism out there.

"We have to get this message across and we've got a long way to go."

A national week of action, running until Tuesday, October 26, will take in activities from local parks right up to the Premier League.

"We have maybe 45 nationalities playing football and they understand the language of the sport," said Mr Khan. "It brings people together, whatever their background.

"We want to encourage more participation in football.

"We have very few Asian professional footballers and we need more role models."

He hopes the campaign will raise awareness to encourage long-term change in attitudes.

The events at Glanford Park are being supported by BEM Sport North Lincolnshire and link in closely with the work of the SUFC Trust.
Iron right-back Cliff Byrne is an ambassador for the anti-racism initiative and has pledged his support.
He said: "Scunthorpe United 100 per cent supports the Kick It Out campaign and I'm delighted to be an ambassador."

Sarah Teal, Scunthorpe United disability and equalities officer, said: "This year the club is striving to make equality and diversity the forefront of every agenda.

"The banner parade and the posters are only the surface of the constant developments at the club. We hope all the supporters take on board the message and celebrate a great campaign."

As well as events at professional clubs across the country, the campaign will involve community groups, grass roots clubs, schools, colleges and places of worship.

The aim is to encourage all football fans to get involved in events, activities and celebrations in their local area and unite under an anti-racism message.

Lord Herman Ouseley, chair of Kick It Out, said: "Collectively, we continue to make strides in the fight for equality across the game.

"Clubs, however, have a unique power to act as the catalyst for this progress.

"The One Game, One Community weeks of action illustrates this perfectly, as clubs, along with players and fans, combine to send out the strongest message that football is our game and there to be enjoyed by everyone."

The campaign is gathering momentum across Europe, with Football Against Racism In Europe giving it a voice at Champions League fixtures. To get involved and find local events, visit www.kickitout.org

This is Scunthorpe