DUTCH TV STATIONS REJECT ANTI-ISLAM FILM

The government of the Netherlands has raised its terrorism alert level to "substantial" in the wake of rising anger in Muslim countries to reports that Dutch television may broadcast a 10-minute film by a national political leader critical of the Koran. The Dutch government has warned television networks that the film, which maintains that the Muslim holy book foments violence and religious hatred, could trigger unrest among the country's large Muslim population. Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende has warned producer Geert Wilders, leader of the rightist Dutch Freedom Party, that he must be held responsible if the release of the film results in deaths. Earlier in the week, hundreds of Afghan demonstrators in Mazar-i-Sharif burned Dutch flags and demanded the withdrawal of Dutch troops from the country. "NATO General Secretary Jaap de Hoop expressed "fear that our soldiers will come under fire because of this film." On Thursday Wilders told the Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad that he was disappoint ed that thus far no Dutch TV station had agreed to show it. Dutch reports also indicated that if they continue to shun the film, he will screen it at the Nieuwspoort Press Centre in The Hague on March 28. Press reports quoted the chairman of the center as saying that Wilders would be welcome to show the film there, provided proper security measures are undertaken, citing the principle of freedom of speech. Wilders has also said that he intends to post the film on his website, FitnaTheMovie.com, which is hosted by Network Solutions. The provider has indicated that it is preparing for possible denial-of-service attacks -- attempts by outsiders to prevent access to the site.

07/03/2008