×
Newsmax TV & Webwww.newsmax.comFREE - In Google Play
VIEW
×
Newsmax TV & Webwww.newsmax.comFREE - On the App Store
VIEW
Tags: netherlands | saudis | islam | trade

The Hague: Saudis Considering Sanctions Over Islam Insult

Saturday, 17 May 2014 10:30 AM EDT

AMSTERDAM — Saudi Arabia is "considering" sanctions against the Netherlands after an anti-Islamic stunt by far-right politician Geert Wilders, the Dutch foreign ministry said on Saturday.

In November, the anti-Islamic lawmaker printed stickers imitating the Saudi flag, replacing its text, which normally reads "There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah" with "Islam is a lie, Muhammad a criminal, the Koran is poison."

The Dutch foreign ministry told AFP on Saturday that Saudi Arabia feels "insulted" by Wilders and is considering sanctions.

"We have indications that show that Saudi Arabia is considering commercial measures against the Netherlands," said spokesman Friso Wijnen.

He did not give further details.

The Dutch government distanced itself from Wilders' actions at the time, pointing out that the populist firebrand is not part of the government and his ideas are not representative.

Arab News said on its website that the Saudi authorities had asked that "Dutch businesses no longer be included in local projects" in the country, and to reduce the number of visas issued for Dutch businesspeople.

The website also claimed Riyadh was angry for the lack of action taken against Wilders by the Dutch government.

Saudi authorities could not be immediately reached for comment on the issue.

Wilders' Party for Freedom (PVV) is expected to make gains in European elections at the end of May, and has allied with other far-right parties across the continent, including France's National Front led by Marine Le Pen.

He has previously compared the Koran to Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf, and claimed the religion is fascist.

Attempts to prosecute him for his claims have failed. He was acquitted on charges of inciting hatred in 2011, with judges arguing that his comments were directed against a religion rather than an ethnic group.

There was recent outrage after he promised during local elections in March to ensure "fewer Moroccans" in the Netherlands.

© AFP 2023


MiddleEast
Saudi Arabia is "considering" sanctions against the Netherlands after an anti-Islamic stunt by far-right politician Geert Wilders, the Dutch foreign ministry said on Saturday.
netherlands, saudis, islam, trade
315
2014-30-17
Saturday, 17 May 2014 10:30 AM
Newsmax Media, Inc.

Sign up for Newsmax’s Daily Newsletter

Receive breaking news and original analysis - sent right to your inbox.

(Optional for Local News)
Privacy: We never share your email address.
Join the Newsmax Community
Read and Post Comments
Please review Community Guidelines before posting a comment.
 
 
TOP

Newsmax, Moneynews, Newsmax Health, and Independent. American. are registered trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax TV, and Newsmax World are trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc.

NEWSMAX.COM
© Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
NEWSMAX.COM
© Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved