Far-right politician facing hate trial

Dutch anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders will stand trial today for alleged hate speech, even as his popularity and influence in the Netherlands are near all-time highs.

Prosecutors say Wilders incited hatred against Muslims with remarks comparing Islam to Naziism and by calling for a ban on the Koran. Wilders argues that he has a right to freedom of speech and his remarks were within the bounds of the law.

If convicted, he faces up to a year in prison. He could keep his seat in parliament.

Wilders’ Freedom Party recorded the largest gains in national elections in June, and it has agreed to support a new all-conservative government forming this month.

In return, his political allies have promised to carry out much of his anti-immigration agenda.