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Anti-Islam film’s maker blasts UK over ban

Geert Wilders shows his passport and boarding pass at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport before leaving for London.
Controversial Dutch filmmaker Geert Wilders condemned as "crazy and cowardly" Britain’s refusal to let him enter the country Thursday.

Wilders, a Dutch lawmaker who produced a much-criticized film about Islam last year, flew to London for a screening of the movie despite being told a day earlier he would not be admitted. “I still believed and hoped that they would change their tune,” he told CNN by telephone, saying he was speaking from a detention room at London’s Heathrow Airport. He said he was met by customs officers as soon as he left the plane. “They took me to a detention center,” Wilders said, and there he was interviewed “for 45 seconds” before they took his passport and left. Watch Wilders condemn British government » He called it a “very sad day” for “freedom of speech in the European Union.” Wilders had been invited to screen his film, “Fitna,” at the House of Lords on Thursday evening. The 15-minute film features disturbing images of terrorist acts superimposed over verses from Islam’s holy book, the Quran, to paint Islam as a threat to Western society. The British ambassador to the Netherlands told him Wednesday that he would be refused entry into Britain because the beliefs expressed in the film would threaten public security. Do you agree with the UK’s decision to bar Wilders Have your say Britain’s Home Office said barring Wilders is allowed under European Union law, which permits states to refuse entry on the grounds of public policy, public security or public health.

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“The government opposes extremism in all its forms,” said a Home Office spokesman, who would not be identified, in line with policy. “It will stop those who want to spread extremism, hatred and violent messages in our communities from coming to our country.” Wilders is a member of the Dutch parliament for the right-wing Party for Freedom. He released “Fitna” online in March 2008 to immediate controversy. The 15-minute film features disturbing images of terrorist acts superimposed over verses from Islam’s holy book, the Quran, to paint Islam as a threat to Western society. Caroline Cox, a member of Britain’s House of Lords who is not affiliated with a political party, invited Wilders to screen his film at a private session in parliament. She told CNN that she wanted lawmakers to see the film to provoke discussion. “We’re showing it on the basis of freedom of speech,” said Cox, who has been a free speech advocate throughout her career. “It’s a serious showing, with serious concerns and serious consideration.” Cox said she disagreed with the government’s decision to bar Wilders, who was also scheduled to discuss the film. “I think it’s appalling,” she told CNN. “(For) the British government to prevent a European parliamentarian coming to speak to parliamentarians over here is very disturbing. I think it will be ready by many people as a sign of appeasement to threat and intimidation.” After its release, the movie drew complaints from the European Union and the Organization of the Islamic Conference, as well as concern from the United States, which warned it could spark riots. Dutch authorities filed charges against Wilders last month, accusing him of inciting racial hatred in speeches and in the film. “Fitna” opens with a controversial caricature of the Prophet Mohammed wearing a turban shaped like a bomb, followed by translated portions of the Quran. The passages are interspersed with graphic images of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against the United States, juxtaposed with audio from 911 calls made by the victims trapped inside the World Trade Center in New York. The video includes images of other terror attacks; bloodied victims; beheadings of hostages; executions of women in hijab, the traditional full-body covering; and footage, with subtitles, of Islamic leaders preaching inflammatory sermons against Jews and Christians. In his interview with the BBC, Wilders said he does not hate Muslims but opposes the “Islamization” of the European continent. The title “Fitna,” is Arabic for “strife” or “conflict” of the type that occurs within families or any other homogenous group.

Five years ago, Dutch director Theo van Gogh was stabbed to death by a member of a radical Islamic group after his short film “Submission” used verses from the Quran written on women’s bodies to criticize the treatment of women in Islamic cultures. His co-producer on the project, Somali-born former Dutch lawmaker Ayaan Hirsi Ali, lived under government protection for several years after van Gogh’s killing. She now lives in the United States.

Stimulus deal struck, but still no final bill

House Democratic leaders were forced to put off until Friday a vote on the $789 billion economic stimulus bill after many rank-and-file Democrats who were unhappy with some spending cuts demanded time to read the compromise measure.

As of Thursday afternoon, the text of legislation spelling out the details of the House-Senate deal had not been completed. Despite the delay, sources said the bill was not in jeopardy. The decision to put off the House vote was made following a Thursday morning closed-door Democratic meeting, the second one in less than 24 hours to discuss the legislation. Many lawmakers left Thursday’s meeting expressing resignation that there is not much they can do to change the spending measure, which they said does not go far enough to solve the current economic troubles. Members of two liberal factions, the Congressional Progressive Caucus and Congressional Black Caucus, told their Democratic leaders that they are not pleased with the compromise spending bill and that they need sufficient time to read the voluminous legislation before voting on it. “My fear is that it will be enough to slow but not stop our descent into a real depression,” said Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-New York, a member of the Progressive Caucus. Nadler would not say whether he’d support the measure. “Considering the Senate is ruled by the filibuster — we did about the best we could. It will save 3.5 million jobs.”

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Another member of the Progressive Caucus, who requested anonymity, said the meeting was a “venting session,” adding with a wry smile, “In my career, I’ve never seen so much money and so many angry people.” Other Democrats also have concerns. Freshman Rep. Dan Maffei, D-New York, said he learned a lesson from watching Congress approve a bailout for Wall Street that was not as advertised. “One of the reasons I was elected, and I am new member, is to make sure we do look at the legislation, we know what’s in it,” Maffei said. “I want to know — are the resources actually going to be used for what we say we want them to use Are they actually going to create jobs I think they will. But I want to make sure and I want make sure these jobs are coming to my district,” he said. Rep. Charlie Rangel, D-New York, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus and chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, had the job of defending the bill to his fellow lawmakers. Calling the meeting “very good,” Rangel applauded his role as the House’s chief tax writer by saying, “The [spending] portion is still in motion, but the tax provisions were very well-received.” Most lawmakers, staffers and reporters on Thursday were depending on just a handful of details given out the day before by Reid, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Montana, and two key negotiators, Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Ben Nelson, D-Nebraska. On the House floor Thursday morning, Rep. Ed Perlmutter, D-Colorado, took on the task of explaining the compromise bill. As he ran through broad categories such as tax cuts and energy spending, Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-North Carolina, pounced. “You talk about this bill as though you have read the bill,” she said. “And I want to ask, has the bill been made available to the Democrats in the chamber” “Uh,” Perlmutter paused. “I have seen the House version, and I have seen the Senate version, and I have highlights of the compromise.” He said he had not seen a written version. As staff hustled to put the deal in print, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi postponed a news conference planned for 10:45 a.m. ET to 3 p.m. Thursday. Pelosi’s office said the move was related to the Abraham Lincoln birthday celebration and a visit from President Obama at lunchtime. Congress expects to send the stimulus package to Obama’s desk by the Democrats’ self-imposed deadline of Monday after lawmakers apparently worked around a disagreement over education funding. The stimulus deal was struck Wednesday after another furious day of negotiations on Capitol Hill involving House and Senate leaders, administration officials and the trio of moderate Republicans. Reid reported a deal had been struck between the House and Senate on Wednesday afternoon. A short time later, aides to Pelosi said that although she knew Reid was planning an announcement, the two were meeting again to iron out the differences over education spending. Senators had slashed direct funding for school construction — a top priority for some Democrats — and instead set aside money for governors to use on school modernization and rehabilitation. House Democrats did not think that would ultimately be targeted enough to school districts in need. In the Senate’s compromise version, $10 billion was added to the $44 billion allocated toward “state stabilization” to boost school infrastructure. Using the state stabilization vehicle, the money is given to governors to parcel out. But aides said House members would rather the $10 billion go through Title I, meaning the funds would go to areas with a higher percentage of children from low-income families. But four Democratic sources said that Pelosi was angry when Reid called to tell her he was making his first announcement that the deal was done. One administration official said House leaders didn’t like the idea that Senate Republicans were effectively dictating the terms of the proposal. Here’s how the compromise bill is expected to affect individuals: CNNMoney: How the stimulus will affect your wallet Most individuals will get a $400 tax credit, and most couples will get an $800 credit. That amounts to an extra $13 a week in a person’s paycheck, starting in June. Many students will get $2,500 tuition tax credit. First-time home buyers may qualify for a tax credit of up to $8,000. People who receive Social Security will get a one-time payment of $250. Democratic sources said 35 percent of the bill deals with tax cuts and 65 percent with spending. Reid praised the three “brave” GOP senators who broke ranks to the support the bill — Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine and Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania. Of the 219 Republicans in Congress, they were the only three who backed the bill. Senate Democrats must hold on to at least two Republican votes to get the 60 votes needed to keep GOP opponents from blocking the bill. Not a single Republican voted in support of the House version of the bill, but House Democrats had enough votes to pass it despite 11 Democrats voting against it.

The agreement is hardly bipartisan, said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina. “You couldn’t pick up one Republican in the House, and you lost 11 Democrats. You’ve lost more Democrats than you’ve picked up Republicans. That’s not bipartisanship,” he said Wednesday on CNN’s “The Situation Room.”

Report: Gaffe-prone prince sent on race relations course

Prince Harry's behavior landed him on the front pages of British newspapers.
Britain’s Prince Harry has been sent on course on equality and diversity after a series of high profile racial gaffes have damaged the young royal’s reputation, it was reported Thursday.

Harry, an officer in the British Army, was formally disciplined by superiors after videos surfaced showing him using offensive language — referring to a fellow soldier as a “Paki” and another as looking “like a raghead.” Now, according to the Daily Mirror newspaper, the 24-year-old has been ordered to attend lessons on how not to be racist and gain understanding of how offensive his comments are. A spokesman for the prince told CNN: “Prince Harry has apologized for his comments and has been subjected to normal Army disciplinary procedures. The matter is now closed.”

The latest development follows a new claim that the prince, third in line to throne, told a black British comedian that he didn’t “sound like a black chap.” In a 2005 gaffe, Harry apologized after he was photographed wearing a Nazi uniform at a party.

Vaccines didn’t cause autism, court rules

A special court denied Mike and Theresa Cedillo's claim that vaccines caused autism in their daughter, Michelle.
A special court ruled Thursday that evidence presented in three cases by parents of children with autism did not prove a link between autism and certain early childhood vaccines.

The ruling came from a panel of “special masters” who began hearing three test cases in 2007 involving children with autism — a disorder that their parents contend was triggered by the vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella combined with vaccines containing thimerosal, a preservative containing mercury. Three families — the Cedillos, the Hazelhursts and the Snyders — sought compensation from the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, but the panel ruled that they had not presented sufficient evidence to prove that the childhood vaccines caused autism in their children. “I feel deep sympathy and admiration for the Cedillo family,” Special Master George L. Hastings Jr. wrote in his ruling in the case involving 14-year-old Michelle Cedillo, who cannot speak, wears a diaper and requires round-the-clock monitoring in case she has a seizure. “And I have no doubt that the families of countless other autistic children, families that cope every day with the tremendous challenges of caring for autistic children, are similarly deserving of sympathy and admiration. However, I must decide this case not on sentiment, but by analyzing the evidence,” Hastings wrote. “In this case the evidence advanced by the petitioners has fallen far short of demonstrating such a link.” Dr. Gupta: A look at the life of Michelle Cedillo »

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In a statement shortly after the release of the decisions, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said it continues to support research “to better understand the cause of autistic disorders and develop more effective methods of treatment.” However, “the medical and scientific communities … have found no association between vaccines and autism.” “Hopefully, the determination by the Special Masters will help reassure parents that vaccines do not cause autism,” the statement said. Since 2001, thousands of parents of autistic children have filed petitions seeking compensation from the VICP at HHS. Visit CNNhealth.com, your connection to better living By mid-2008, more than 5,300 cases had been filed in the program — and 5,000 of those were still awaiting adjudication, according to the agency. Watch Dr. Gupta discuss how court reached its decision »

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A litigation steering committee is representing thousands of families that fall into three categories: those that claim that the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine can combine with thimerosal-containing vaccines to cause autism; those who claim thimerosal-containing vaccines alone can cause autism; and those who claim that MMR vaccines, without any link to thimerosal, can cause autism. Prior to the release of Thursday’s rulings, an attorney for the families, Thomas Powers, said the expected rulings would affect only the families that fall under the first category.

Octuplets’ mom seeks online donations

Nadya Suleman, a single mother of 14 children, has set up a Web site asking for donations.
Nadya Suleman, the single mother of newborn octuplets, is using the Internet to help support her family of 14 children. She’s started a Web site seeking donations.

The Web site features pictures of a rainbow, child’s blocks and all eight of Suleman’s newborns. Also prominently displayed on the Web site is a prompt for visitors to make a donation, noting that the “proud mother of 14” accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and PayPal. Suleman, 33, had the octuplets through fertility treatments, despite already having six young children and no clear source of income. In recent television interviews, Suleman has rejected suggestions that she might not be able to care adequately for all 14 of her children. “I’m providing myself to my children,” Nadya Suleman told NBC in her first interview. “I’m loving them unconditionally, accepting them unconditionally, everything I do. I’ll stop my life for them and be present with them and hold them and be with them. And how many parents do that” Watch report on who is paying the bills for the octuplets »

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Suleman said she plans to go back to college to pursue a degree in counseling, NBC reported. She also said all 14 children have the same biological father, a sperm donor whom she described as a friend. Joann Killeen, a spokeswoman for Suleman, has told CNN that she is being deluged with media offers, but disputed any suggestions that Suleman may have had a monetary incentive for having so many children.

Killeen, told CNN’s “Larry King Live” that Suleman “has no plans on being a welfare mom and really wants to look at every opportunity that she can to make sure she can provide financially for the 14 children she’s responsible for now.” Suleman’s publicist did say that Suleman gets $490 every month in food stamps.

Tens of thousands of U.S. guns missing in Afghanistan

U.S.-issue M249 squad automatic weapons are shown at a camp in Kandahar in December.
More than one-third of all weapons the United States has procured for Afghanistan’s government are missing, according to a government report released Thursday.

The U.S. military failed to “maintain complete inventory records for an estimated 87,000 weapons — or about 36 percent — of the 242,000 weapons that the United States procured and shipped to Afghanistan from December 2004 through June 2008,” a U.S. Government Accountability Office report states. “Accountability lapses occurred throughout the supply chain,” it says. The Defense Department spent roughly $120 million during that period to acquire a range of small arms and light weapons for the Afghan National Security Forces, including rifles, machine guns and rocket-propelled grenade launchers. The military also failed to properly account for an additional 135,000 weapons it obtained for the Afghan forces from 21 other countries. “What if we had to tell families [of U.S. soldiers] not only why we are in Afghanistan but why their son or daughter died at the hands of an insurgent using a weapon purchased by the United States taxpayers But that’s what we risk if we were to have tens of thousands of weapons we provided washing around Afghanistan, off the books,” Rep. John Tierney, D-Massachusetts, chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, said at the start of a congressional hearing on the report. The military is unable to provide serial numbers for 46,000 of the missing 87,000 weapons, the report concludes. No records have been maintained for the location or disposition for the other 41,000 weapons.

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The report urges Defense Secretary Robert Gates to “establish clear accountability procedures for weapons while they are in the control and custody of the United States” and direct those “involved in providing these weapons to track (them) by serial number and conduct routine physical inventories.” The GAO review comes as numerous senior officials — including President Obama — are expressing serious concern over the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan. On Wednesday, eight Taliban suicide attackers struck Afghan government buildings and a prison in Kabul, killing at least 19 people in a coordinated attack that the Taliban said was in retaliation for the mistreatment of prisoners, according to Afghan officials. The attacks raised new questions over the effectiveness of the ongoing $16.5 billion U.S. effort to train and equip Afghan security forces. Officials from the State and Defense departments intend to request an additional $5.7 billion in assistance for the Afghan army and police in fiscal year 2009, according to the report. The Obama administration is conducting a top-to-bottom review of U.S. policy toward both Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan. The president will likely make a decision on sending additional troops to Afghanistan “in the course of the next few days,” Gates said Tuesday.

Stray dogs being killed in Baghdad

Stray dogs roam a Baghdad neighborhood in November 2008, when the culling program began.
The shotgun blast rips into the stray dog’s midsection, sending it tumbling over and over. Agonizing yelps echo through the streets as it tries to reach and bite at the gaping wound. Minutes later, the dog is dead.

A few miles away, a puppy eats a piece of poisoned meat. Its body starts to twitch and spasm as the toxins kick in. It dies within 15 minutes. The two strays were among the thousands that roam the streets of Baghdad. Authorities have been killing them since November, trying to prevent the spread of disease and attacks on residents. The Baghdad dog-culling program comprises two vets, a council official and a police officer armed with a shotgun. The vets distribute bits of meat poisoned with strychnine. If the poison doesn’t kill the dogs, the police officer steps in with the shotgun. “I do have mercy for all animals,” veterinarian Khalil Abdullah said. “But we can’t vaccinate the wild animals in the street, and we don’t have the means or ability to bring them all to the hospital.” Watch how Baghdad deals with stray dogs (Viewer discretion advised) » The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SCPA) International calls the methods used by the Baghdad culling program inhumane. SPCA spokeswoman Terri Crisp says the organization understands that Iraq is a war zone, posing a unique set of challenges, but alternatives such as mobile spay and neuter and vaccination programs are available. “We’ve seen this work in other countries that have very similar stray animal problems,” Crisp said. Just killing the strays dogs is a bandage approach, she said. The SPCA has offered to help the Iraqi government, but the response has been slow. “Given all of what’s going on over in Iraq right now, it takes time. Things don’t always move as quickly as we would like them to,” Crisp said. But, she said, other programs, including one that allows U.S. military personnel in Iraq to bring their pets back to the States, have taken time to take root. The Iraqi government welcomed offers of help but said the strays are the responsibility of Baghdad’s municipal government.

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Municipal officials said they have no other options other than killing the dogs. “We do wish that our situation here in Baghdad would improve in general, so that we can then provide better solutions for issues like the stray dogs, so we can have the same standards as European countries,” local council head Shakib Mohammed said. “But we don’t even have tranquilizer guns. What you see is the best we have.” The last dog culling in Baghdad took place before the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. Since then, the stray dog population increased dramatically and became a threat to humans, authorities said. Some Iraqis say that in areas where the sectarian killing was high and bodies lined the streets, the dogs became used to eating human flesh. An Iraqi veterinarian said that makes the strays more aggressive toward humans. Students at a girls’ high school in Baghdad welcomed the culling teams, saying the dogs had become a menace. “They would attack us in the morning when we were on our way to school,” student Hanan Sami said. “Not just one but packs of them.” The girl said she has a pet dog and loves animals, but said the strays have to be dealt with. Headmistress Mahassen Youniss said critics of the culling program should consider human rights before animal rights. “How are we supposed to deal with dog bites and the spread of disease when we have such a lack of medicine here” Youniss said.

As the search for strays goes on, a puppy yaps from behind a pile of rubble. Adult dogs scatter. Abdullah takes pity on the puppy. He’ll take it home and vaccinate it, he says. The others in the street are going to have to fend for themselves.

Russian, U.S. satellites collide in space

Debris from the collision poses no threat to the International Space Station.
Two satellites, one Russian and one American, have collided some 800 kilometers (500 miles) above Siberia, the Russian and U.S. space agencies, said Thursday.

The collision on Tuesday produced two large debris clouds, NASA said. The satellites collided at 10 kilometers (6 miles) per second, producing 500-600 new pieces of space debris, the U.S. Strategic Command said. That debris is not believed to pose a threat to the International Space Station as long as the clouds continue moving in a lower orbit, according to NASA and the Russian federal space agency, Roscosmos. “There is some elevated risk, but it is considered to be very small to the ISS and to the other satellites that NASA has in orbit,” NASA spokeswoman Beth Dickey told CNN. She said experts were still assessing the effects of the debris. Mikhail Martirosov, from Russian mission control center, told Interfax news agency that the real threat from the debris will become obvious next week, once experts can calculate the trajectory of the fragments’ descent. “We have not received a warning of the possible danger to the ISS. The fragments may descend to the ISS orbit in several years, although I do not rule out that some fragments may go down within several days,” Martirosov said. The Russian satellite was launched in 1993 and had been out of service at the time of the collision, Roscosmos said. The U.S. satellite was part of the Iridium global mobile communications system and is owned by a consortium headed by Motorola, the space agency said. It was launched in 1997. CNN is “one of the larger non-government users” of Iridium, said Arnie Christianson, operations manager for CNN Satellites and Transmission. “We do rely on it for communication in high-risk areas like Iraq, Afghanistan, and other remote locations,” he said. “Because of this collision, there may be a slightly longer hole in the coverage from one satellite to the next, but only in a very small area and for a very small amount of time. This is a collision, not an internal failure of the satellite or the system.” He questioned how U.S. government, which tracks all space junk larger than a football, didn’t see this coming. But he said the system will continue to work without any noticeable problems. A representative of Iridium could not immediately be reached for comment. NASA’s Dickey said a collision like this one is very rare. “This is the first impact between two intact satellites traveling at hypervelocity,” she said. “There have been some other occasions when things have accidentally collided in space, but they have been parts of rockets or parts of satellites and (produced) a very small cloud.” Major Regina Winchester, of the U.S. Strategic Command, said: “Space is getting pretty crowded. The fact that this hasn’t happened before — maybe we were getting a little bit lucky.” Winchester said Strategic Command tracks more than 18,000 pieces of manmade objects in space every day. “Any time there’s an event that creates more debris, it’s a concern,” she said. “All countries who have assets in space are going to be concerned simply because when there’s more debris, there’s a higher chance it’s going to hit something.”

Mandy Moore engaged to Ryan Adams

Mandy Moore has been with Ryan Adams for about a year.
Mandy Moore is getting a license to wed rocker Ryan Adams.

Moore’s publicist confirmed Thursday the 24-year-old singer-actress is engaged to marry Adams, 34, who is known for producing rock music with a country influence. Spokeswoman Tracy Bufferd gave no details about wedding plans. Rumors first surfaced almost a year ago that Moore and Adams were dating as paparazzi photos surfaced of the couple out together in Los Angeles. Moore’s role as a bride in the 2007 movie “License to Wed” may help her as she moves toward the altar. The romantic comedy featured Robin Williams as “Reverend Frank,” who put Moore’s character and her fiance through a “marriage preparation course” before they could get hitched in his church. Her first success as a recording artist came in 1999 with her debut album, “So Real,” which went platinum with the help of her top 10 single “Candy.”

Sound off: Does ban curb extremism or free speech?

Geert Wilders at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport before flying to the UK Thursday.
A Dutch lawmaker who made a controversial film about Islam is attempting to beat a ban on entry to Britain where he has been invited to speak in the House of Lords.

The UK Home Office said the ban on Geert Wilders, who made the 15-minute film ‘Fitna’ — which paints Islam as a threat to Western society — was in line with its policy to “stop those who want to spread extremism, hatred and violent messages.” We asked what you thought of Britain’s ban on Wilders and here’s a sample. Marco, Amstelveen, Netherlands: Although I do not share Wilders’ views, I feel he has a fundamental right to express them. The British refusal to let him enter the country and the prosecution of Wilders in The Netherlands contributes to the notion that even in western democracies one is not free to criticise Islam. Ham, London, UK: British “free speech” laws are increasingly biased towards the minorities the British deeply fear offending. AA, Chennai, India: The decision of UK is unexpected. So religion dominates over the rational. It is very clear that the humanity is heading towards disaster. CMC, UK: Showing this film would surely destabilize U.K. – Middle Eastern relations even further. Though freedom of speech is a worthy ideal, it’s also a lofty one when lives are at stake. BD, New York, U.S.: In an Islamic society, there is no free speech. That is the way they want it to be in the whole world. Slowly, step by step, they are succeeding in spreading this censorship to the West. They do it through intimidation, threats, mob violence, and even worse. The censorship of Wilders is a PERFECT example of Islam controlling life–and watering down freedoms– in the democracies . The UK should be ashamed of its weak-kneed response to these threats. Lala, Indonesia: What is wrong with Wilders he done nothing wrong and coward sUK. everybody is free for their opinion for anything no exception about islam. Sal, West Yourkshire, UK: About time Britain respected muslims feelings. Do you see Muslims making controversial films about devil worshippers, free masons, athiests or any other religions TJAW, Florida, U.S.: Excuse me but did’nt Muslims recently protest very agressively through the streets of London The man should be able to show his film. Caron, Quebec, Canada: This is not surprising come from Britain – the U.K. is one of the three in the Axis of Evil of the Western empire and its almost fascist policies present a threat to the democratic nations of Europe and North America. Stanislav, Pargue, Czech Republic: It is really bad new to hear that Wilders can not entry UK to show his movie Fitna…. we are being attacked by muslims every day in Europe. Ozgur, Antalya, Turkey: Ex-muslim here. Wilders had just put out excerpts from koran, nothing more. there are aggressive, discriminating verses in koran. he just voiced what’s within, and didnt add any to it. the muslim reaction is more like a reaction against the mishaps of their religion being exposed. Dietermax, California, U.S.:let him go where he wants , the people do not have to show up to hear him , greet him, let him be shunned, free speech should be allowed we have the power to ignore him. DeV, Amsterdam, Netherlands: Ironically, Fitna is about the Islam being hateful towards all others. Davis, Georgia: Mr. Wilders should be given a medal. The way Islam is put on a pedestal in Europe is ridiculous and I can’t believe the Europeans of all people would deny this man his basic human right of free speech. Laurent, Syria: We should just let the people speak about religions, no matter how controversial it might appear. Understanding between civilizations does not come only with topics everyone agree on JRW, The Hague, Netherlands: It’s totally absurd that critics of a religion should be silenced. Where is democracy when we want to express our views. Everyone should have the right to say what it wants. Haz, Kuwait: There is a limit to freedom of speech when people talk without knowing the facts. And indeed UK Governments’ ban on Wilders is absolutely appreciated. Gypsy, UK: Free speech is a very important concept , you cant say free speech matters, and then say about a specific thing, oh that offends people we will ban it, thats not free speech , its free speech subject to government whim and is subject to lobbying. Tony, Gateshead, UK: Geert Wilders should be welcomed to the UK with open arms, he would be providing information ‘shedding light’ on sections of the Quran that practising muslims would not want to be highlighted. If world domination ‘as is claimed’ is part of the islamic doctrine then we need to be informed before its to late. When in rome do as the romans do. J McGuire, Puerto Rico: How ironic, Muslims have no right of speech in their societies, come to ours to enjoy freedom and progress, and then proceed to restrict ours by terror and intolerance. Mr. Wilders have a fear of “the “Islamization” of the European continent”. Dude check the writing on the wall,. seems like they now rule our society. We are afraid. Henry, Scotland: Wow, maybe they should try stopping all the muslim extremists entering this country, its seems like its ok to preach hate and be a racist as long as your not white! Jaime, Buenos Aires, Argentina: European capitals are under siege by islamist minorities ready to impose abdication of free opinion. Authorities in the UK and in Netherlands are particularly submissive to their blackmailing moves , and this is an ungraceful example thereof. Amit, India: This is ridiculous. We did not expect these moves from a democratic state like U.K.

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Anti-Islamic film’s maker faces UK ban

T. Phelipa, St Maarten: I agree with this move. and I’m a Dutch Citizen. Wilders has a right to express his film , IF his film weren’t completely biased. I have seen it and it is completely one sided. If he had NOT only chosen to show all the extremists views of Islam, it would be a different story. Instead he shows a one sided extremist view of Islam that incites fear and anger and unjustly creates a anti-Muslim , anti-Koran sentiment. I’m a Roman Catholic and believe in something different than my Muslim friends but it’s not a matter of judgement, it;s a matter of choice. I choose to believe in what I believe and I respect the Muslims (non-extremists) for believing in what they believe. But Mr. Wilders is a spotlight seeking opportunist who is relishing in his 5 minutes of fame. Peace, Poland: I commend the UK on their decision to ban this hateful man from their country. This man is just as much an extremist as he calls Muslims extremists. so why should he have a right He is just on the opposite extreme. that does not make him any more right than others. Chris P, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia: The islamic caucus has achieved a ban on white free speech whilst simultaneously remainin silent, deafeningly silent in criticising ‘Jihad’ ‘martyrdom’ and other labels sanctioned by its Holy Book to spread international terror in the name of a mediaeval religion. Sam, Malaysia: I totally agree with banning this guy and his racist movie. the world is now built on respect among people not racism. Murat, Toronto, Canada: In his interview with the BBC, Wilders said he does not hate Muslims but opposes the “Islamization” of the European continent.’ Is this guy for real… He is basically saying he does not want a muslim neighbour…and that is hatefull and discriminating…Was he also opposed to the Cristianization of the whole middle east during the Crusades of his grandfathers Haseeb, London, UK: I agree with the UK government. People are misusing our concept of freedom of speech. It does not allow anyone to make comments about others not based on facts and that are very likely to be against the beliefs of any community. Every time someone mentions the Holocaust the Israeli government jumps up and down and bans or condemns the person including, this time, Pope Benedict XVI. So why is it different for comments against the Muslim beliefs Lou Gascon, UK: I believe the film should be at least looked at by the House of Lords Remember that the Dutch appear to have a similar fear over Islam as indeed we appear to have in the UK… I have nothing against Islam proper, but worry about the fundamentalists who believe they should take over – It is however about time that we all lived together peaceably and got on with more important things in life like saving lives and helping the poor and needy around the world – about which the Islamic states and groups are adequately flushed to give major support. Ian, Derbyshire, UK: Doesn’t this demonstrate something that by expressing an opinion albeit in the form of this film, it is considered a risk to public safety. So rather than speak out against extremism we are meant to remain silent while they are allowed to do, preach and behave how they please. This is not cultural cohesion or integration. By only allowing one sided criticism the UK is being eaten away from the inside. Freedom of speech is nonsense if it only allows one side to voice its opinions with the threat that if all sides can voice them public security and safety is at risk. Anthony, USA: It is incredible that in the 21-st century extremist religion has such influence. Wilders Fitna should be respected and distributed as widely as possible. Abron, Europe: Is he really a filmmaker The quality is less than any amateur films in youtube. He has nothing to say but puting some pictures with slogans. I was surprised that CNN headline was like that.