WEB SERVER REFUSES TO SERVE KORAN CRITIC

Another door has been slammed shut in the face of Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders as he continues efforts to show his film Fitna, in which he alleges that the Koran is an "enemy of freedom" and instigates violence and intolerance throughout the world. Following the refusal of Dutch broadcasters to air it, Wilders had planned to show it on the Internet on March 28. However U.S.-based Network Solutions, the host web service, said Saturday that it had shut down Wilders's site due to complaints. The site now features a notice saying that it is under investigation for possible violations of Network Solution's acceptable use policy. Wilders was defiant, telling the Dutch wire service ANP, "If need be, I will personally distribute DVDs in the Dam," the main square of Amster dam. In reporting on the matter, the Washington Post observed today that "it may be the first documented case of Internet pre-censorship by a major U.S.-based Web registrar."

24/03/2008