Fitna: let us watch it first!

Monday, March 24, 2008 at 0:16 | Posted in censorship, civil rights, Freedom of speech | 1 Comment
Tags: Fitna, geert wilders, network solutions

While I do not share the views and opinions of Dutch MP Geert Wilders and I regard some of those opinions not only as unacceptable but outright outrageous, it is my firm conviction that Mr. Wilders has every right to express those opinions. It may not be wise on a pragmatical point of view to launch a film which is certain to attract even violent protests and demonstrations but launching a film like that is an indisputable civil right of Mr. Wilmers. Freedom of speech is the most valuable right we have and tolerating expressed opinions that do not match with our own opinions is a mandatory duty of every human on the Earth.

I find it extremely odd that Network Solutions have chosen to suspend a domain set up by Geert Wilders to launch his film Fitna:

This site has been suspended while Network Solutions is investigating whether the site’s content is in violation of the Network Solutions Acceptable Use Policy. Network Solutions has received a number of complaints regarding this site that are under investigation. For more information about Network Solutions Acceptable Use Policy visit the following URL: http://www.networksolutions.com/legal/aup.jsp

The complaints cited by Network Solutions seem to address something which nobody has yet seen. The site seems to have consisted so far only of an image of the cover of a Koran on a black background with the text: “Coming soon: Fitna”. That can hardly be regarded as offensive by anybody.

Most of the people protesting against the Mohammad cartoons have actually never seen them. I would not state an opinion about Fitna before I have seen the film. Let us just watch it first!

Edit: I spotted a clip (via Befria Media) with Geert Wilders commenting the fuzz around his film. This is the first time ever I recall agreeing with him.

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