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Movie About Koran Sparks Controversy
23-Mar-2008
Written by: Sam Belkin
A short independent film from Amsterdam criticizes Koran, negative reaction from Dutch.
Religion is a touchy issue. A movie about Jesus prompts complaints by Jews of anti-Semitism. A cartoon portraying the prophet Muhammad incites rage in the Muslim world. Isaac Hayes even left his legendary role as “Chef” in South Park because it made fun of Scientology (not to mention every other religion.)
So when a Dutch lawmaker puts up a Web site promoting an upcoming film that criticizes the Koran, it is banned by its U.S. hosting service.
The film, called Fitna, is by a Dutch politician named Geert Wilder, who has sought to ban the Koran from the Netherlands because he believes it conflicts with Dutch law. He also favors the restriction of immigration, mostly from non-Western countries. Fitna, by the way, is only 15 minutes long, due on March 31, and according to its maker, claims Islam’s holy book is “fascist.” Its name comes from the Arabic word “Fitna,” which describes “disagreement and division among people,” a “test of faith in times of trial.”
The Web site shows an image of a gilded Koran, as well as a note saying that its company is investigating whether they are in fact in violation of Network Solution’s terms of service.
TV stations have also refused to air Wilder’s short film, prompting the director to plan a strictly Internet release. Thousands of protesters gathered on the Dam in Amsterdam to show that Wilder does not represent the opinions of the whole country. According to the Associated Press, Wilder also receives regular death threats and could not be reached for comment, but Wilder said to Dutch press agency ANP, “If necessary, I’ll go hand out DVDs personally on the Dam.”
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