A controversial anti-Islamic movie interweaving graphic images of 9/11, a beheading and protests by extremists has been posted on a maverick internet site by the leader of a far-right Dutch political party. Dutch television refused to broadcast the 17-minute movie, Fitna, which has been slammed as anti-Muslim propaganda. It ends with the message: "Stop Islamization." Fitna, which means "strife," has already been posted by users on You Tube.
The release of the movie by Dutch parliament member Geert Wilders, who's under police protection because of death threats, has triggered protests in Muslim nations. Dutch prime minister Jan Peter Balkenende condemned the movie but called for calm. "We believe it serves no purpose other than to offend, but feeling offended must never be used as an excuse for aggression and threats," he said. Yesterday the UN Human Rights Council passed a resolution condemning the use of media to incite violence or intolerance of Islam. (More Netherlands stories.)