Dutch Freedom Party (PVV) leader Geert Wilders is pressing charges of perjury against former RNW journalist Bertus Hendriks.
The anti-Islam PVV politician is on trial in Amsterdam for incitement to hatred & discrimination and group defamation. Last Friday, Mr Hendriks gave evidence to the court about a dinner he gave last May.
Amsterdam judge Tom Schalken, who had a hand in bringing the case against Mr Wilders, was among the guests. Hans Jansen, an expert on the Arab World, was also invited. He was due to give evidence in Mr Wilders’ defence three days later. It is alleged that Mr Schalken tried to influence Mr Jansen’s testimony during the meal.
In recent testimony in the Wilders case, Mr Jansen said that Mr Schalken did try to influence his evidence. However, Mr Schalken denied this, and Mr Hendriks told the court that Mr Jansen was only invited to the dinner party to talk about Islam. Mr Wilders says this is not true.
(mw/as)
© Radio Netherlands Worldwide
Email this Bulletin
Printer-friendly version
