Geert Wilders is a nasty piece of work. The far-right politician has compared the Koran to Mein Kampf and called Islam fascist.
But why, oh why, are the authorities in the Netherlands playing into his hands by putting him on trial for saying the vile things he says?
They will only succeed in making him a martyr to free speech, and boost his electoral popularity.
The right way to tackle him is by confronting his arguments, not trying to silence him.
France’s draft plan to ban on wearing the burqa would involve a fine of €150 for wearing the full veil, Le Monde reports.
Anyone forcing a woman to wear a full veil faces up to a year in prison and a €15,000 fine.
Meanwhile, Belgium’s draft law would make it a crime to wear clothing that covers or partly covers the face. Penalties would include a fine of up to €25 and a week in prison, the FT reports.
Politicians in the Netherlands and Italy have pushed for similar measures.