Netherlands prosecutors seek prison sentences for Pakistanis over death threats to politician News
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Netherlands prosecutors seek prison sentences for Pakistanis over death threats to politician

Dutch prosecutors announced their intent on Monday to seek prison sentences of up to 14 years for two Pakistani nationals accused of inciting threats on the life of prominent far-right politician Geert Wilders.

The case is currently being tried in absentia, in the absence of the accused or a lawyer representing them. The Public Prosecutor’s Office summoned the suspects and sought mutual legal assistance from Pakistan to serve the necessary documents, but this request was not fulfilled. According to Article 280 of the Dutch Code of Criminal Procedure, the trial may proceed without the accused if reasonable efforts to involve them have been made.

Wilders, known for his anti-Islamic and anti-immigrant rhetoric, faced assassination threats after attempting to organize a controversial cartoon competition depicting the Prophet Mohammed in 2018. The two men facing charges are a 55-year-old religious leader and a 29-year-old political figure from Pakistan. According to prosecutors, the elder of the two men is accused of repeatedly calling for Wilders’ assassination and issuing a fatwa, stating that those who carried out the act would be rewarded in the afterlife. The younger suspect allegedly incited others to commit murder, particularly after the conviction of a Pakistani cricket player who had also threatened Wilders in a YouTube video.

Wilders himself appeared in court on Monday to deliver a speech about the impact of the threats on his life; “My wife and I have lived in safe houses, prisons, barracks, and police stations during those years just to stay safe. I’ve worn fake mustaches and wigs to remain unrecognizable.” In his speech, Wilders urged the court to deliver a strong verdict, stating, “I hope that your court will send that message in your verdict as well. That no one, not even mullahs, can get away with issuing a fatwa to kill someone in a state governed by the rule of law. That they cannot get away with inciting or calling for someone to be murdered.”

The prosecution has requested a 14-year prison sentence for the 55-year-old religious leader and a six-year sentence for the 29-year-old political figure. A ruling from the court is expected on September 9.

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