Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Dutch court ordered a retrial yesterday for the anti-Islam MP Geert Wilders, sending the closely-watched hate speech case back to square one before a whole new panel of judges.
The far-right politician faces charges of inciting hatred against Muslims for remarks which include equating Islam with fascism and violence and others calling for a ban on the Koran and a tax on Muslim headscarves.
Mr Wilders accused judges at the Amsterdam District Court of bias and called for their dismissal after they refused to recall a defence witness who wrote on a blog that a member of an appeals panel directly involved in the case had improperly contacted him.
A hastily convened substitute panel ruled yesterday that Mr Wilders' objections were valid, which means the trial that began in January must start again from the beginning with new judges.
Mr Wilders welcomed the decision. "This gives me a new chance on a new fair trial," he said.
Judge G Marcus said the panel understood Mr Wilders' "fear that the court's decision displays a degree of bias ... and under those circumstances accepts the appeal".
Since the charges were filed, Mr Wilders' party has become part of the Netherlands' ruling conservative government, making him one of the most powerful politicians in the nation.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments