Populist anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders prepares to address judges at the high-security court near Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam, Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016, during his hate-speech trial that pits freedom of expression against the Netherlands’ anti-discrimination laws. (Peter Dejong/Associated Press)THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Populist anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders delivered a fiery closing statement Wednesday at his hate speech trial, slamming his prosecution as a “charade, a disgrace for the Netherlands, a mockery for our society” that threatens freedom of speech. “Worldwide, a movement has started that is making short shrift of the politically correct doctrines of the elite and their subordinate media,” Wilders said. At one meeting in a Hague cafe, he asked supporters whether they wanted more or fewer Moroccans in the Netherlands. Prosecutors have asked judges to convict Wilders and fine him 5,000 euros ($5,265).

Source: Washington Post November 23, 2016 15:55 UTC