Dutch prosecutors announced on Monday their intention to seek prison sentences of up to 14 years for two Pakistani nationals accused of inciting the murder of prominent far-right politician Geert Wilders. The case is currently being tried in absentia, meaning the accused are not present and no legal representatives have appeared on their behalf. Despite efforts by the Public Prosecutor’s Office to involve the suspects through mutual legal assistance from Pakistan, those attempts were unsuccessful. Under Article 280 of the Dutch Code of Criminal Procedure, the trial is allowed to proceed in such circumstances.
Geert Wilders is a controversial figure known for his anti-Islamic and anti-immigrant rhetoric. The charges stem from assassination threats Wilders faced after attempting to organize a cartoon competition depicting the Prophet Mohammed in 2018. One suspect, a 55-year-old religious leader, is accused of issuing a fatwa calling for Wilders’ assassination, promising rewards in the afterlife for those who carried it out. The other, a 29-year-old political figure, allegedly incited others to commit murder, particularly after the conviction of a Pakistani cricket player for threatening Wilders in a YouTube video.
Wilders appeared in court on Monday to detail the personal impact these threats have had on his life, recounting how he and his wife have had to live in multiple protected environments to ensure their safety. Wilders urged the court to issue a strong verdict, emphasizing that no one, including religious leaders, should be able to incite murder in a state governed by the rule of law. The prosecution is seeking a 14-year sentence for the 55-year-old and a 6-year sentence for the 29-year-old. A court ruling is expected on September 9. For more on this story, visit JURIST.