"The social media post, made by the far-right, anti-Muslim politician Geert Wilders, prompted a record 14,000 complaints to the country's anti-discrimination hotline. Many of those who called to report the image compared it to Nazi propaganda from the second world war, the hotline said in a statement, adding that the 19 anti-discrimination agencies associated with the hotline had flagged the post to police, amid concerns that it could be an incitement to hatred."
"As polls suggest that Wilders' party could again emerge with the most votes, the election on 29 October has been recast as a broader litmus test for the country and its democratic ideals. It isn't just about Muslims. What's at stake is the very idea of what it means to be Dutch, said Esma Kendir of the Collective of Young Muslims."
A campaign image contrasted a young blonde woman with a friendly expression and a scowling older woman in a headscarf and carried the phrase The choice is yours, prompting widespread complaints. The post by Geert Wilders triggered a record 14,000 calls to the anti-discrimination hotline and was flagged to police amid comparisons to Nazi propaganda and concerns about incitement. The episode reflects hardened public discourse as politicians disproportionately target Muslims, asylum-seekers and other minorities to win votes. Polls indicate the Freedom party (PVV) could again lead, making the 29 October election a test of Dutch commitments to equality, human rights and freedom of religion. Some in the Islamic community are questioning whether they belong in the Netherlands.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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