Netherlands: Cartoonist arrested for discrimination

The Dutch are caving in to fascism and threats - What a disgrace.

From: Dutchnews

MPs from across the political spectrum have urged justice minister Ernst Hirsch
Ballin to explain the arrest of a cartoonist on discrimination charges.

The cartoonist, who operates under the pseudonym Gregorius Nekschot, was
arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of publishing work which discriminates against
Muslims and 'people with dark skins'. The arrest follows a complaint made
against Nekschot in 2005.

Nekschot, an established cartoonist whose work features in magazine HP/De Tijd
amongst others, was released after spending Tuesday night in custody. His house
was searched and a quantity of work taken away.

In a statement, the public prosecution department said cartoonists are by
nature satirical and often insulting to others. However, Nekschot's work broke
the boundaries of freedom of expression and artistic licence, the department
said.

'We are raising this affair at the highest level,' Labour MP Ton Heerts told
news agency ANP. 'Taking legal action against a cartoonist goes too far.'

Geert Wilders, leader of the anti-immigration party PVV, accused the public
prosecution department of have dictatorial tendencies. The arrest of the
cartoonist is 'outrageous and tasteless,' Wilders said.

The public prosecution department is currently investigating a number of formal
complaints against Wilders, who describes Islam as a backward and violent
religion.