Geert Wilders had the last word in his trial on Wednesday: “Acquit me. Let the light not be extinguished in the Netherlands.”

The leader of the Freedom Party (PVV) is charged with discrimination and inciting hatred against Muslims and other ethnic minorities. Mr Wilders said that freedom of expression was also on trial in this case and that a huge burden of responsibility rests on the shoulders of its judges.

The Wilders trial is now closed. The court’s decision will be announced on 23 June. Last week, the Public Prosecutors Office asked the court to acquit Mr Wilders.

The trial should have actually ended last October, but Mr Wilders’lawyer, Bram Moszkowicz, accused the judges of partiality. The trial then had to recommence with three new judges.

(jn)

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