A Dutch court has convicted two Pakistani religious and political leaders in absentia for inciting their followers to murder anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders, the leader of the Party for Freedom in the Netherlands. Wilders, who has faced threats to his life for nearly two decades due to his criticism of Islam, has been living under constant security.
Both defendants, Muhammad Ashraf Asif Jalali and Saad Rizvi, were found guilty of incitement to murder and threatening Wilders. Jalali received a 14-year sentence, while Rizvi was sentenced to four years. The court noted that Jalali's actions infringed on Wilders' privacy and could harm freedom of expression in a democratic society.
This is not the first time Pakistani individuals have been convicted in the Netherlands for threats against Wilders. In a separate case last year, a former Pakistani cricketer was sentenced to 12 years for offering a reward for Wilders' death. Another Pakistani man was sentenced to 10 years in 2019 for planning a terrorist attack on Wilders.
Wilders, who welcomed the verdicts, expressed relief at the sentences handed down by the court. He described the impact of living under constant threat, emphasizing the daily challenges and fears he faces.
The court's decision sends a strong message against incitement to violence and threats targeting public figures. The case highlights the importance of upholding freedom of expression while ensuring the safety and security of individuals in the public eye.
