July 26 2011
Dutch media has closely followed the connection between ‘Norway shooter’ Anders Behring Breivik and the anti-Islam position of MP Geert Wilders, leader of the Freedom Party (PVV). The coverage follows comments that some of the ideas expressed by Breivik “are not so far removed from those promoted by Geert Wilders” and information that the shooter attended a speech by Wilders in London last year, and question whether the politician is partially ‘to blame’ for the shooting. Wilders responded to the suggestion through a statement and tweets, rejecting all attempts to link his ideology to that of Breivik. He claims the attention on possible connection is an attempt to turn the situation for political gain. Nu.nl reports that in a recent poll, 52% of Dutch think Wilders should not moderate his tone with respect to Islam as a result of the events.
