In quotes: Geert Wilders

A selection of quotations by controversial Dutch anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders, who is currently on trial in Amsterdam accused of inciting hatred.

ON ISLAM

Islam is not a religion, it's an ideology, the ideology of a retarded culture. I have a problem with Islamic tradition, culture, ideology. Not with Muslim people.

ON KORAN

The Koran is a fascist book which incites violence. That is why this book, just like [Adolf Hitler's] Mein Kampf, must be banned.

The book incites hatred and killing and therefore has no place in our [Dutch] legal order.

ON ISLAMIC VEIL

It is not acceptable for people to completely cover themselves on the street. It threatens public order and security. Plus it is a terrifying sight.

Get rid of that woman-humiliating Islamic symbol.

ON VIOLENCE

It's not my intention to have anything at all to do with violence. On the contrary, I despise violence - I just want a debate.

ON TOLERANCE

A tolerant society is not a suicidal society... Openness can never be open-ended.

ON ALLIES

My allies are not [France's Jean-Mari] Le Pen or [Austria's Jorg] Haider. We'll never join up with the fascists and Mussolinis of Italy. I'm very afraid of being linked with the wrong rightist fascist groups.

ON HIS TRIAL

I am on trial, but on trial with me is the freedom of expression of many Dutch citizens. I have spoken... nothing but the truth.