Film critical of Islam released

A Dutch lawmaker released a film highly critical of Islam, setting verses of the Muslim holy book against a background of violent images from terrorist attacks.

Geert Wilders posted his 15-minute film on a website. Shortly afterward, Dutch television showed segments of the film and broadcast discussions by analysts on the possible impact of its release.

The government had warned Wilders that a film offensive to Muslims could spark violent protests in Islamic countries, like those two years ago after European newspapers published cartoons of the prophet Muhammad.

“The film equates Islam with violence. We reject this,” Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende said.

The film tells more about Wilders than the Koran, said Maurits Berger, professor of Islam in the West at Leiden University. “It represents his fear of Islam.”