This is with reference to the report “Dutch rushing envoy to KSA over anti-Islam spat” (May 20). We should applaud the Saudi government for reacting strongly in the wake of this controversy. It is heartening to note that the Kingdom has downgraded its ties with the Netherlands.

This is not the first instance of anti-Islam tirade. The Saudi authorities gave the Dutch ample time to put their house in order but to no avail. A case was registered against the Dutch right-wing politician, Geert Wilders, accused of insulting Islam.

Unfortunately, the Dutch Supreme Court issued a verdict in Wilders’ favor stating that he had not insulted Muslims but only Islam. How the apex court arrived at such a decision is beyond comprehension. They split hairs in interpreting section 137D of their penal code in order to cover Geert Wilders, as he is the darling of Israel. This has given him a carte blanche to attack Islam, which he is doing with renewed impunity. He dare not attack Christianity as it is protected by the Dutch constitution. Even attacking the queen is a taboo and could land him in jail.

The other 57 Muslim countries should follow suit and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) should swing into action and ask all Muslim countries to stop trade with the Netherlands. This is the only way of effectively dealing with such bigots.

Ramzie Sanoon

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