Freedom Party leader Geert Wilders faces trial in Amsterdam today. The right-wing populist MP is accused of discrimination on the basis of religion and inciting hatred.

As an MP, he is has immunity for anything he says in parliament, but he is not protected for anti-Muslim comments he has made in the media. His controversial film Fitna also led to calls for his prosecution.

On the eve of his trial Mr Wilders told journalists he expects to be acquitted and said “I have done nothing wrong”. The controversial politician said he should be able “to speak the truth about Islam”, even if that is painful for some people. He sees it as a political trial.

During the hearing he intends to ask various experts to act as witnesses.

A couple of hundred of sympathisers have gathered outside the court to show their support for Mr Wilders in a demonstration organised by the Freedom Party. Large numbers of police have also been deployed.