Radical Dutch MP Stirs More Anti-Islam Tensions
The politician, who leads the Freedom Party, or the PVV, visited the market in the town of Spijkenisse on Saturday to push his blunt message against Islam and Muslims. He handed out the sprays, which contained red paint despite the fact that they are illegal in the Netherlands.
The lawmaker, whose party only has 12 seats in the 150-seat Dutch lower house, is known for his anti-immigrant, anti-Islam rhetoric and has recently seen his popularity soar, just more than a year before the parliamentary elections, Press TV reported.
He said, if elected, he would, "close the borders immediately and have no more asylum-seekers.”
"We just cannot afford to have more. The Dutch people in a big majority don't want it and we cannot afford it and it makes our people and women only more unsafe.”
However, his radical rhetoric was met with a counter protest from dozens of women demonstrators who shouted out, "Wilders is racist, no feminist.”
About 10 women were reportedly arrested during the protest.
Europe is facing an unprecedented influx of refugees who are fleeing conflict-hit zones in North Africa and the Middle East, particularly Syria. Many blame major European powers for the exodus, saying their policies have led to a surge in terrorism and wars, forcing people from homes.
Wilders’ comments came against the backdrop of sexual attacks on women on New Year's Eve in Cologne, Germany, which were mainly blamed on North African and Arab refugees.
His comments have already proved contentious. He is scheduled to stand trial in March for provoking hatred after promising in local elections that he would ensure there would be "fewer Moroccans” in the Netherlands.
Wilders also said in a January 18 video for his party that all male Muslim refugees should be incarcerated in their asylum centers in Europe, claiming it to be necessary for protecting women on the streets.
