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2008-06-21 Europe
Does freedom of expression have a future in the Netherlands?
Dutch Justice Minister Ernst Hirsch Ballin and a majority of MPs say the arrest of cartoonist Gregorius Nekschot (a pseudonym) was not politically motivated. However, some of the opposition could not disagree more and fear that freedom of expression is being curtailed.

What in the Netherlands was considered a large number of police officers arrived on 13 May to arrest Nekschot, who was then held for a day and a half. His cartoons were the reason for his arrest: it was said they were an incitement to hate and violence and were discriminatory. The arrest caused a commotion both inside the political world of The Hague and in the country at large. The Netherlands has a tradition of freedom of expression. For centuries, the boundaries of what may be said or written have been set wide, even if this is hurtful or difficult for politicians, the church or individuals. The arrest of Nekschot does not fit in with this tradition. The question arises whether the policy of the prosecution service or the justice ministry has changed. Minister Hirsch Ballin denies there is any change. However, freedom of speech has been under pressure since the murder of film-maker Theo van Gogh on 2 November 2004 who, together with Ayaan Hirsi Ali made Submission, a film about the oppression of women by conservative Muslim men. Threats against figures including politicians, because of their criticism of, for example, Islam, have breathed new life into discussions about where the limits to freedom of expression should be set.

There can be said to be two basic views:
a) unlimited freedom of expression, and
b) the judicious limiting of freedom of expression in not always saying what one thinks.

The government supports the latter view and Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende has, on more than one occasion, called upon right-wing MP Geert Wilders to exercise restraint in connection with his film, Fitna, which suggested terrorism was innately connected with Islam. Mr Balkenende believed Mr Wilders should consider the possible consequences of the film. Certain political parties reject the prime minister's standpoint, arguing it will lead to self-censorship and a weakening of the freedom of expression. The conservative VVD party is especially angry with Minister Hirsch Ballin for doing nothing to stop the cartoonist Nekschot from being arrested.

In a letter to parliament, Mr Hirsch Ballin admits that he was consulted seven times about the Nekschot case by the prosecution authorities. VVD leader Mark Rutte says the minister's inaction suggests the case was a political arrest. However, Mr Rutte declined to table a no-confidence motion against the minister despite being challenged to do so. The idea that Mr Hirsch Ballin is aiming to limit freedom of expression is strengthened by the fact that the Nekschot case is not a one-off. During a debate in parliament on Thursday, it surfaced that an internet website, which publishes articles including some critical of Islam, has received a letter from the police asking that someone attend a police station as a matter of urgency to explain the content of the site.
Posted by ryuge 2008-06-21 06:14|| || Front Page|| [11135 views ]  Top

#1 The Koran dictates that carpet humpers not take Jews and Christians as friends. I guess that is tough love.
Posted by McZoid 2008-06-21 06:40||   2008-06-21 06:40|| Front Page Top

#2 Yes. Next question?
Posted by g(r)omgoru 2008-06-21 06:46||   2008-06-21 06:46|| Front Page Top

#3 I've been trying to get Amos and Andy re-runs on my telie, but they're no longer available either. I'll throw no stones at the Dutch just yet.
Posted by Besoeker 2008-06-21 06:53||   2008-06-21 06:53|| Front Page Top

#4 For centuries, the boundaries of what may be said or written have been set wide, even if this is hurtful or difficult for politicians, the church or individuals. The arrest of Nekschot does not fit in with this tradition.

Well, times change. The current fad of political correctness is more important than centuries of our most cherished values.

called upon right-wing MP Geert Wilders to exercise restraint in connection with his film, Fitna, which suggested terrorism was innately connected with Islam.

Where the heck did that idea come from? Terrorism and Islam have some sort of connection?
Posted by gromky 2008-06-21 07:20||   2008-06-21 07:20|| Front Page Top

#5 Fitna makes no suggestions. It simply cites verses from the Koran with video of the faithful at work bringing the Koran to life in our world. What the viewer infers is a reflection of the viewers mental capacity.
Posted by Nimble Spemble 2008-06-21 07:27||   2008-06-21 07:27|| Front Page Top

#6 "The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist."
Posted by DepotGuy 2008-06-21 13:05||   2008-06-21 13:05|| Front Page Top

#7 I've been trying to get Amos and Andy re-runs on my telie, but they're no longer available either

Why am I not surprised?
Posted by Pappy 2008-06-21 16:44||   2008-06-21 16:44|| Front Page Top

#8 Heh, watching UEFA game Russia vs. Netherlands, commentator said something about a Netherlands players (Van der Vaart maybe?) - "He's considered the Van Gogh of Netherland's soccer."

I have to disagree with the comment, Van der Vaart apparently runs much faster than Theo.
Posted by swksvolFF 2008-06-21 16:52||   2008-06-21 16:52|| Front Page Top

#9 #7 I've been trying to get Amos and Andy re-runs on my telie, but they're no longer available either

Why am I not surprised?
Posted by Pappy 2008-06-21 16:44|| Front Page|| ||Comments Top

Yes it was clean, harmless, and pretty good humour for it's time. As I recall, no gay segments however. I doubt you'd find it of interest.

Posted by Besoeker 2008-06-21 17:28||   2008-06-21 17:28|| Front Page Top

#10 Always been more of a radio-show guy myself. Theater of the mind. It meant using your brain. Ever done that, meneer?

Listen to a radio show, I mean.
Posted by Pappy 2008-06-21 18:20||   2008-06-21 18:20|| Front Page Top

#11 Charming.
Posted by Nimble Spemble 2008-06-21 18:31||   2008-06-21 18:31|| Front Page Top

#12 B - that is weak ass and below your purported dignity. Try to improve
Posted by Frank G">Frank G  2008-06-21 19:08||   2008-06-21 19:08|| Front Page Top

#13 No, no, it's okay. Besoeker is right - the old shows were amusing. I always liked Jackie Gleason and the Jack Parr show. Ernie Kovacs was a hoot.

But I just sumrised, given our resident Afrikaaner's past postings at the Burg, that it really isn't the 'good clean fun' of Amos n' Andy that enjoys.

Apparently it hit a bit close to home.
Posted by Pappy 2008-06-21 20:11||   2008-06-21 20:11|| Front Page Top

#14 No gay segments? Well, forget about it then! ;-P
Posted by ryuge 2008-06-21 22:08||   2008-06-21 22:08|| Front Page Top

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