A Muslim religious leader has been sentenced to 14 years in prison by a court in the Netherlands for issuing a fatwa against Geert Wilders, a prominent Dutch populist politician.

The sentence marks a significant development in addressing international calls for violence against political figures, and the case involved threats and death sentences made by two Pakistani nationals against Wilders, sparking concerns over free speech and political safety, as Breitbart reports.

Imam Muhammad Ashraf Asif Jalali, 56, was sentenced to 14 years in prison by a court in The Hague.

The court found Jalali guilty of issuing a fatwa that called for the killing of Wilders, leader of the Party for Freedom (PVV). The fatwa, declared to have terrorist intent, was delivered in English to appeal to an international audience.

Jalali's Fatwa and its International Reach

Jalali's fatwa came in response to Wilders’ controversial political views, which include outspoken criticism of Islam. Wilders has been a central figure in Dutch politics, leading the far-right PVV party and frequently facing death threats from extremist groups. The court deemed Jalali's fatwa a serious act of incitement to violence, intended to influence a global audience.

Another individual, Saad Hussain Rizvi, the 29-year-old leader of the radical Islamist group Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP), was also sentenced in the case. Rizvi received a four-year prison sentence for making death threats against Wilders. However, the court ruled that Rizvi’s actions did not carry the same level of terrorist intent as Jalali's, leading to a reduced sentence from six years.

Lack of Extradition Treaty Raises Concerns

Both Jalali and Rizvi remain in Pakistan, raising doubts about whether they will serve their sentences. The Netherlands does not have an extradition treaty with Pakistan, complicating efforts to enforce the court's ruling.

In response to this challenge, Wilders has called for international arrest warrants to be issued for both Jalali and Rizvi.

In a statement following the ruling, Wilders expressed satisfaction with the verdict, describing it as a “pure win.” He added, "I now hope that the Dutch government will also do everything in its power to ensure that those involved will serve their sentences."

Wilders' Ongoing Security Concerns

Wilders has long been the target of Islamist threats due to his anti-Islamic rhetoric and political stance. In the past, Wilders has spoken publicly about the constant security measures surrounding his life.

He has lived under 24-hour protection for years, frequently moving between safe houses to avoid potential attacks. Writing for a British outlet, Wilders stated, “We have lost our freedom and privacy. Everywhere I go, I am constantly surrounded by bodyguards.”

Despite these threats, Wilders remains committed to his right to free speech, asserting that it is essential to a free and democratic society. "Fatwas, death threats, being on the death list of the Taliban and ISIS, nothing will ever stop me from telling the inconvenient truth," he said.

An International Message Against Political Fatwas

The conviction of Jalali is notable as the first instance of an imam being found guilty of issuing a fatwa in the Netherlands. The court’s ruling is seen as a powerful message against extremist incitements of violence targeting political figures.

Wilders remarked that this decision sends an important signal on an international level, reinforcing the notion that political fatwas will not go unpunished.

Previous incidents of death threats against Wilders have also led to legal action, though the effectiveness of these rulings has been limited. Junaid Iqbal and Khalid Latif, two individuals convicted in relation to similar threats, have not served their sentences due to protection by Pakistani authorities. The court's recent ruling against Jalali and Rizvi highlights the ongoing issue of enforcing international justice for crimes committed abroad.

Conclusion

The sentencing of Pakistani nationals Jalali and Rizvi represents a pivotal moment in the fight against politically motivated violence.

While it remains unclear whether the convicted men will serve their prison terms due to the lack of an extradition treaty between the Netherlands and Pakistan, the ruling sends a clear message.

Wilders has expressed his hope that the Dutch government will take further action to ensure justice is served. This case underscores the international dimensions of political threats and the importance of protecting free speech.