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{{Infobox film | |||
{{ dablink|This is an article about the film '''Fitna'''. For other uses, see ] }} | |||
| name = Fitna | |||
{{pp-semi-vandalism|small=yes}} | |||
| image = Fitnathemovie.jpg | |||
{{ambox | |||
| caption = Title card for ''Fitna'' | |||
| type = serious | |||
| director = | |||
| text = At the end of the film ''Fitna'' the page <code>en.wikipedia.org/fitna</code> is referred to as a source to find the official website of the film. Misplaced Pages has no affiliation with Geert Wilders or this film. Misplaced Pages is an encyclopaedia written from a ] and does not endorse or condemn any opinions. | |||
| producer = | |||
| writer = ]<br /> | |||
| narrator = | |||
| starring = | |||
| music = ]<br />] | |||
| cinematography = | |||
| editing = | |||
| distributor = ] | |||
| released = {{Film date|df=y|2008|03|27}} | |||
| runtime = 17 minutes | |||
| country = Netherlands | |||
| language = ]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />] | |||
| budget = | |||
| gross = | |||
}} | }} | ||
{{current}} | |||
'''''Fitna''''' ({{langx|ar|فِتْنَة}}) is a 2008 short film by Dutch ] ]. Approximately 17 minutes in length, the film attempts to demonstrate that the Qur'an motivates its followers to hate all who violate Islamic teachings. The film shows selected excerpts from ]hs of the ], interspersed with media clips and newspaper cuttings showing or describing acts of violence by Muslims worldwide. | |||
'''{{Infobox Film | |||
|name = Fitna | |||
|image = Fitna surah 4 verse 56.png | |||
|image_size= 232 | |||
|caption = ]: “Those who have disbelieved our signs, we shall roast them in Hell”<ref name="Anti Islam Film Online">{{cite news|url=http://www.radionetherlands.nl/currentaffairs/region/netherlands/080327-fitna-online-wilders|title=Anti-Islam film Fitna online|date=2008-03-27|accessdate=2008-03-27|work=]}}</ref>'''|writer = ] and Scarlet Pimpernel | |||
|producer = Scarlet Pimpernel | |||
|released = ], ] | |||
|runtime = 16:48 | |||
|country = ] | |||
|website = http://www.fitnathemovie.com | |||
|imdb_id = 1198399 | |||
|language = ], ], ], ], others | |||
}} | |||
'''''Fitna''''' is a film by ] ] ], leader of the ] (PVV) in the ]. The movie offers his views on ] and the ]. The film's title comes from the ] '']'' which is used to describe "disagreement and division among people", or a "test of faith in times of trial". Geert Wilders also announced his next project, which will offer his view on Christianity and the Bible, which was actually scheduled before the Fitna project.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/03/27/europe/dutch.php|title=Anti-Koran film post on Internet|first=Stephen|last=Castle|work=]|date=2008-03-27|accessdate=2008-03-27}}</ref> | |||
The film argues that Islam encourages – among other things – acts of ], ], ], ]<ref>homo-, bi- and transsexuals, transgenders, crossdressers, non-binary people, etc.</ref> and against infidels – as well as subjugation of all infidels: Islamic ]. A large part of the film details ]. The film was published on the Internet in 2008.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/28/world/europe/28dutch.html |title=Dutch Film Against Islam Is Released on Internet |access-date=2017-02-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105113826/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/28/world/europe/28dutch.html |archive-date=2017-01-05 |url-status=live |newspaper=The New York Times |date=2008-03-28 |last1=Crouch |first1=Gregory }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/27/world/europe/27iht-dutch.5.11483503.html |title=Anti-Koran film post on Internet |access-date=2017-02-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202055239/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/27/world/europe/27iht-dutch.5.11483503.html |archive-date=2017-02-02 |url-status=live |newspaper=The New York Times |date=2008-03-27 |last1=Castle |first1=Stephen }}</ref> Shortly before its release, its announcement was suspended from its website by the American provider because of the perceived controversy.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/23/world/europe/23iht-dutch.4.11346822.html |title=Web site of Dutch anti-Islam film is suspended |access-date=2017-02-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202055653/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/23/world/europe/23iht-dutch.4.11346822.html |archive-date=2017-02-02 |url-status=live |newspaper=The New York Times |date=2008-03-23 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/25/world/europe/25briefs-USCOMPANYSHU_BRF.html?_r=1 |title=The Netherlands: U.S. Company Shuts Anti-Koran Web Site |access-date=2017-02-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202060022/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/25/world/europe/25briefs-USCOMPANYSHU_BRF.html?_r=1 |archive-date=2017-02-02 |url-status=live |newspaper=The New York Times |date=2008-03-25 }}</ref> It stirred a still continuing debate in the ] as well as abroad.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/25/opinion/25iht-edfilm1.html |title=Defend the right to say it |access-date=2017-02-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202060026/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/25/opinion/25iht-edfilm1.html |archive-date=2017-02-02 |url-status=live |newspaper=The New York Times |date=2008-03-25 |last1=Ham |first1=Peter Van }}</ref> | |||
The movie was released to the Internet on ] ].<ref name="bbc27mar">{{cite news|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7317506.stm|title=Dutch MP posts Islam film on web|work=]|date=2008-03-27|accessdate=2008-03-27|}}</ref><ref name="sciam27mar">{{cite news|url=http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=dutch-mp-launches-anti-ko|title=Dutch MP launches anti-Koran film online|work=]|publisher=]|date=2008-03-27|accessdate=2008-03-27|first=Emma|last=Thomasson}}</ref> | |||
The Arabic title-word "]" means "disagreement and division among people" or "a test of faith in times of trial".<ref name="hatred">{{cite news|url=http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=137624 |title=Hold your breath: 'Fitna' spreading seeds of hatred |date=2008-03-29 |access-date=2008-04-01 |work=] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080402234115/http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=137624 |archive-date=April 2, 2008 }}</ref> | |||
==Release== | |||
Wilders released the movie on ] ] at 7pm local (]) time on the video website ].<ref name="bbc27mar" /><ref name="sciam27mar" /> The Dutch version of the movie received 1.6 million pageviews in 2 hours. The English version garnered over 1.2 million in 5 hours. | |||
== Production == | |||
Wilders originally negotiated a possible broadcast of the film on ]. The contents of the film were not known at the time. None of the Dutch broadcasting companies would agree to show the film in its entirety, without editing. Wilders then said that he would "Rather have entirely on the Internet, than half on television". | |||
The Friends of the ] (PVV) foundation commissioned the film. It contracted a ] credited in the film as "Scarlet Pimpernel Productions", a ] adopted out of fear of reprisal.<ref name="scarlet">{{cite news|url=http://www.volkskrant.nl/binnenland/article524165.ece/Rapper_wil_25.000_euro_van_Wilders|title=Rapper wil 25.000 euro van Wilders|newspaper=]|date=2008-04-07|access-date=2008-04-08|agency=]|language=nl|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080409034828/http://www.volkskrant.nl/binnenland/article524165.ece/Rapper_wil_25.000_euro_van_Wilders|archive-date=2008-04-09|url-status=live}}</ref> In fact large parts of the documentary '']'' written by Wayne Kopping and ] were copied.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vn.nl/Archief/Politiek/Artikel-Politiek/De-Israelconnectie-van-Geert-Wilders.htm|title=De Israël-connectie van Geert Wilders|work=Vrij Nederland|access-date=2009-11-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110820070448/http://www.vn.nl/Archief/Politiek/Artikel-Politiek/De-Israelconnectie-van-Geert-Wilders.htm|archive-date=2011-08-20|url-status=live}}</ref> Both films have been described as part of the ] movement.<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://research-information.bris.ac.uk/files/192414854/Aked_Jones_Miller_Counterjihad_report_2019.pdf|last1=Aked|first1=H.|last2=Jones|first2=M.|last3=Miller|first3=D.|year=2019|title=Islamophobia in Europe: How governments are enabling the far-right 'counter-jihad' movement|journal=Public Interest Investigations|publisher=University of Bristol|page=16}}</ref> | |||
== Release == | |||
Later the Dutch press centre was reported to be willing to show the film, as long as Wilders would pay for the increased security during the press conference and the weeks after it, which he declined to do.<ref name="No press conference">{{cite news|url=http://www.pvv.nl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=932&Itemid=1|title=Wilders ziet af van persconferentie film|language=Dutch|date=2008-03-12|accessdate=2008-03-12|work=]}}</ref> | |||
The exact nature of ''Fitna''{{'}}s release was uncertain up until its official launch. This was due to concerns of the legality of its content and anticipated acts of terrorism. The Dutch press centre ] offered to release the film, on the condition that Wilders would pay for the increased security required during the press conference and the weeks after it. Wilders declined to do so, citing prohibitive costs.<ref name="costly">{{Cite web|url=http://www.depers.nl/binnenland/180969/Film-Wilders-niet-in-Nieuwspoort.html|title=Film Wilders niet in Nieuwspoort|access-date=2008-04-01|publisher=de Pers, Netherlands|date=2008-03-11|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080405175753/http://www.depers.nl/binnenland/180969/Film-Wilders-niet-in-Nieuwspoort.html|archive-date=2008-04-05}}</ref> | |||
Having failed to successfully negotiate a transmission of the film with any Dutch ],<ref name="broadcast1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.radionetherlands.nl/pr/080229-dutch-press-review|title=Press Review 29 February 2008|access-date=2008-04-01|publisher=Radio Netherlands Worldwide|date=2008-02-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214100802/http://www.radionetherlands.nl/pr/080229-dutch-press-review|archive-date=14 February 2009}}</ref><ref name="refuse_broadcast">{{Cite web|url=http://www.radionetherlands.nl/news/international/5672213/Dutch-television-stations-refuse-antiQuran-film|title=Dutch television stations refuse anti-Qur'an film|access-date=2008-04-01|publisher=Radio Netherlands Worldwide|date=2008-03-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080627123727/http://www.radionetherlands.nl/news/international/5672213/Dutch-television-stations-refuse-antiQuran-film <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date=2008-06-27}}</ref><ref name="broadcast2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.volkskrant.nl/binnenland/article510239.ece/Geen_enkele_omroep_wil_film_Wilders_uitzenden|title=Geen enkele omroep wil film Wilders uitzenden|access-date=2008-04-01|newspaper=de Volkskrant, Netherlands|date=2008-03-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080401015515/http://www.volkskrant.nl/binnenland/article510239.ece/Geen_enkele_omroep_wil_film_Wilders_uitzenden|archive-date=2008-04-01|url-status=live}}</ref> Wilders created a website, ''www.fitnathemovie.com'', on 5 March 2008 with the intention of releasing the film.<ref name="broadcast">{{Cite web|url=http://www.radionetherlands.nl/news/international/5670625/Wilders-film-website-goes-online|title= Wilders' film website goes online|access-date=2008-04-01 |newspaper=de Volkskrant, Netherlands|date=2008-03-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080309154502/http://www.radionetherlands.nl/news/international/5670625/Wilders-film-website-goes-online <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date=2008-03-09}}</ref><ref name="intend_release_net">{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUKL2243365220080322|title=Dutch protest against Islam critic's Koran film|access-date=2008-04-01|work=Reuters|date=2008-03-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080403084719/http://uk.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUKL2243365220080322|archive-date=2008-04-03|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="intend_release_net1">{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSL1437141720080314?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0|title=Dutch draw on past crises to deal with Islam film ''Page 2, "As no broadcaster has agreed to show it, it is expected to be released on the Internet on March 28."''|access-date=2008-04-01|work=Reuters|date=2008-03-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111081414/http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSL1437141720080314?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0|archive-date=2009-01-11|url-status=live}}</ref> However, this was subsequently suspended (see ]). | |||
On March 22 the NMO (Dutch Muslim Broadcasting Association) offered to air the film if they could preview the film for any possible illegal material and Wilders would take part in a debate after the airing with pro- and opponents.<ref>http://www.nu.nl/news/1493195/11/rss/Fitna_mogelijk_te_zien_bij_moslimomroep.html</ref> Wilders declined, saying "No way, NMO."<ref>http://spitsnet.nl/nieuws.php/1/13222/online</ref> | |||
On 22 March, the Dutch Muslim Broadcasting Association (NMO) <nowiki>]<nowiki>]</nowiki> offered to air the film, on the proviso that it could be previewed for any possible illegal material and that Wilders would take part in a debate with proponents and opponents afterwards.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.depers.nl/binnenland/184963/Moslimomroep-wil-Fitna-uitzenden.html|title=Moslimomroep kandidaat voor Fitna|date=2008-03-22|access-date=2008-03-28|first=Ana|last=Karadarevic|work=]|language=nl|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331235435/http://www.depers.nl/binnenland/184963/Moslimomroep-wil-Fitna-uitzenden.html|archive-date=2008-03-31}}</ref> Wilders declined, quoted as saying "No way, NMO."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://spitsnet.nl/nieuws.php/1/13222/online|title=Wilders: ,,No way, NMO|date= 2008-03-24|access-date=2008-03-28|work=]}}</ref> | |||
==Content== | |||
The sixteen minute movie shows a selection of ] from the Qur'an, interspersed with partial newspaper clippings and media clips. The movie is accompanied by music from the ] by ], specifically ] (Aase is the mother of Per in the play written by ]). | |||
Wilders released the film on 27 March 2008 on the video website LiveLeak.<ref name="fitna_released">{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/03/27/islam.film/|title=Dutch lawmaker's film criticizing Islam finds Web host|access-date=2008-04-01|publisher=CNN|date=2008-03-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080402231223/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/03/27/islam.film/|archive-date=2008-04-02|url-status=live}}</ref> The following day, LiveLeak removed the film from their servers after receiving threats that they described as being "of a very serious nature".<ref name="removed12">{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/03/28/fitna.reaction/|title=Film critical of Islam dropped from Web site|access-date=2008-04-01|publisher=CNN|date=2008-03-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080402231259/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/03/28/fitna.reaction/|archive-date=2008-04-02|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="removed1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.radionetherlands.nl/news/international/5708071/Threats-push-antiQuran-film-Fitna-offline|title=Threats push anti-Qur'an film Fitna offline|access-date=2008-04-01 |publisher=Radio Netherlands Worldwide|date=2008-03-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331183255/http://www.radionetherlands.nl/news/international/5708071/Threats-push-antiQuran-film-Fitna-offline <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date=2008-03-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.informationweek.com/management/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=207000505|title=Anti-Islamic Film Taken Offline Following Threats|first=Thomas|last=Claburn|date=2008-03-28|access-date=2008-03-28|work=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080402230226/http://www.informationweek.com/management/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=207000505|archive-date=2008-04-02|url-status=live}}</ref> The film soon appeared on various ] and ] websites.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.jpost.com/Health-and-Sci-Tech/Internet-And-Technology/Digital-World-The-fit-over-Fitna|title=Digital World: The fit over 'Fitna'|date=2008-04-01|access-date=2023-01-10|newspaper=]|first=David|last=Shamah}}</ref> | |||
The movie starts with a warning, stating that the movie contains "very shocking images". During the title screen, a book is subsequently opened that resembles the Qur'an. A page in the book contains a widely-known cartoon from the Danish cartoonist ], showing the Prophet ] with a bomb on his head. Next to the cartoon, a timer starts counting down from 15 minutes. | |||
LiveLeak reinstated ''Fitna'' on 30 March, after security upgrades offering increased protection to its staff had been implemented.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view/20080401-127615/Anti-Islam-film-back-on-LiveLeak-website|title=Anti-Islam film back on LiveLeak website|date=2008-04-01|access-date=2008-04-01|agency=]|newspaper=]|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080409074122/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view/20080401-127615/Anti-Islam-film-back-on-LiveLeak-website|archive-date=2008-04-09}}</ref> Soon after, Wilders withdrew the film to make some minor edits, such as removing the copyrighted ].<ref name="editing">{{Cite web|url=http://www.wtop.com/?sid=1377232|title=Dutch Lawmaker to Edit Anti-Quran Film|access-date=2008-04-02|agency=]|publisher=]|date=2008-04-01|first=Toby|last=Sterling|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611210436/http://www.wtop.com/?sid=1377232|archive-date=2011-06-11|url-status=live}}</ref> ], the cartoonist, was pleased with the news and believed the lawsuit would be dropped.<ref name="editing" /> In September 2008, Wilders agreed to pay Westergaard 7500 ]s for using his ''Jyllands-Posten'' cartoon without permission.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dr.dk/Templates/NewsArticle.aspx?NRMODE=Published&NRNODEGUID=%7BF5795B17-FC7F-4BA9-ACFB-B8ADDD0AD3F2%7D&NRORIGINALURL=%2FNyheder%2FIndland%2F2008%2F09%2F04%2F140413.htm%3Fwbc_purpose%3D%252BWAITFOR%252BDELAY%252B00%253A00%253A20%252B--&NRCACHEHINT=Guest&wbc_purpose=%2BWAITFOR%2BDELAY%2B00%3A00%3A20%2B--|publisher=Indland|date=2008-09-04|title=Geert Wilders betaler for Muhammedtegning|language=da |access-date=2010-02-26}}</ref> | |||
The first Sura is introduced, accompanied with Qur'anic recital and translated subtitles (the film is available in English and Dutch, among other languages). | |||
A revised edition, containing a new cartoon in place of the contentious one, and a corrected picture of Bouyeri, was released on LiveLeak on 6 April.<ref name="karachi2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.radionetherlands.nl/news/international/5721349/Thousands-demonstrate-against-IFitnaI-in-Karachi|title=Thousands demonstrate against Fitna in Karachi|access-date=2008-04-06|publisher=]|date=2008-04-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080411060154/http://www.radionetherlands.nl/news/international/5721349/Thousands-demonstrate-against-IFitnaI-in-Karachi <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date=2008-04-11}}</ref> | |||
Suras are juxtaposed to video clips of Imams stating Islamic teaching, and videos of violent atrocities committed in the name of Islam, including major ]s. The source for the English translations is unstated. | |||
=== Distribution === | |||
], the first Sura of the film, is translated as: "Prepare for them whatever force and cavalry ye are able of gathering, to strike terror, to strike terror into the hearts of the enemies, of Allah and your enemies." ] of the ] attacks against the USA is shown, followed by the ]. An ] declares, "Allah is happy when non-muslims get killed." | |||
On 14 December 2008, a conference entitled "Facing Jihad" was organized at the ] in ]. Geert Wilders, ], Robert Spencer, ], ], Shlomo Sharan, and ] were in attendance. During the conference, ''Fitna'' was put on view and distributed to all conference attendees; it was announced that it would be shown in several European parliaments. The ] PR company organized the conference and set up the group's website,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ruderfinn.co.il/our-clients/clients-and-partners.html|title=Finn Partners Israel|work=FinnPartners.com|access-date=2009-02-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205143818/http://www.ruderfinn.co.il/our-clients/clients-and-partners.html|archive-date=2009-02-05|url-status=live}}</ref> and are also actively distributing the film. Finn distributed the film for free. | |||
== Plot == | |||
The next Sura, ], is shown as a justification for ]. An Imam raising a sword declares: "A Jew is hiding behind me, come and cut off his head. And we shall cut off his head! By ], we shall cut it off! Oh Jews! ]! ] for the sake of Allah!" An auditorium of several hundred people respond with approving chants and fist shaking. | |||
The film shows a selection of ]s from the Qur'an, interspersed with newspaper clippings and media clips with '']'' and '']'' as an underscore.<ref name="repetition">{{cite news|url=http://www.nrc.nl/international/article1028543.ece/Fitna_the_Movie_not_hyperbole_or_metaphor_but_repetition|title=Fitna the Movie: not hyperbole or metaphor but repetition|first=Bas|last=Blokker|date=2008-03-28|access-date=2008-03-28|work=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080403062400/http://www.nrc.nl/international/article1028543.ece/Fitna_the_Movie_not_hyperbole_or_metaphor_but_repetition|archive-date=2008-04-03|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://story.malaysiasun.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/b8de8e630faf3631/id/342114/cs/1/|title=Film by Dutch Islam critic released online|work=]|date=2008-03-27|access-date=2008-04-01|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131100621/http://story.malaysiasun.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/b8de8e630faf3631/id/342114/cs/1/|archive-date=2009-01-31}}</ref> | |||
=== Themes === | |||
Following this, a three year old Muslim girl, named Basmallah, calls Jews "apes and pigs" during an interview on ] television channel, ''Iqra TV''<ref name="3_yr_old">{{Cite web|url=http://www.memritv.org/clip/en/924.htm|title=3-Year-old Egyptian Basmallah: Jews Are Apes and Pigs|accessdate=2008-03-28|publisher=memritv.org|year=2002-05-07}}</ref>. More antisemitism is shown by another Imam, who states: "The Jews are Jews. They are the ones who must be butchered and killed." ] are shown uniformed and holding guns. | |||
Wilders described the film as a push for a '']'', a ] that "draws on Christian, Jewish, humanistic traditions and that poses a challenge to the Islamic problem".<ref name="spiegelinterview">{{cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,544347,00.html|title=SPIEGEL Interview with Dutch Populist Geert Wilders: 'Moderate Islam Is a Contradiction'|date=2008-03-31|access-date=2008-03-31|first=Gerald|last=Traufetter|work=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080402015102/http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,544347,00.html|archive-date=2008-04-02|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
==== The Qur'an and terrorism ==== | |||
Still pictures of demonstrators holding banners declaring "God Bless Hitler" and "Be Prepared For the Real Holocaust" are shown. | |||
] is shown next to a video of the ].]] | |||
]s are juxtaposed to video clips of ]s stating ], and videos of violent atrocities committed in the name of Islam, including major ]s.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/controversy-as-antiislam-film-spreads-across-internet/2008/03/28/1206207408587.html|title=Controversy as anti-Islam film spreads across internet|first=Gregory|last=Crouch|date=2008-03-29|access-date=2008-03-28|work=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080330202028/http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/controversy-as-antiislam-film-spreads-across-internet/2008/03/28/1206207408587.html|archive-date=2008-03-30|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
], Verse 4 is shown in relation to the murder of Dutch film director ], committed by ]. Bouyeri is reported as saying: "If I had the opportunity to get out of prison, and I had the opportunity to do it again, what I did on November 2nd, Allah I would have done exactly the same." Protesters are shown supporting Van Gogh's murder, warning others to heed lessons or "pay with your blood". | |||
The first Sura of the film, ] verse 60,{{Cite quran|8|60|expand=no}} is translated as: {{Blockquote|Prepare for them whatever force and cavalry ye are able of gathering, to strike terror, to strike terror into the hearts of the enemies, of Allah and your enemies.}}] of the ] is shown, followed by the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/mar/28/netherlands.islam|title=Dutch await reaction after MP releases film on Qur'an|first=Toby|last=Sterling|agency=]|newspaper=]|date=2008-03-28|access-date=2008-03-27|location=London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130902042634/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/mar/28/netherlands.islam|archive-date=2013-09-02|url-status=live}}</ref> Imam ] rises above the smoke and declares "Allah is happy when non-muslims get killed." ] taken from the ] show an exploded bus and the ]. | |||
Dutch newspaper headlines are reproduced, outlining ] threats of murder to prominent questioners of Islam, followed by footage of ] beheading. Hensley's decapitated head is shown held up by Al-Qaeda terrorists. | |||
The next Sura, ] verse 56,{{Cite quran|4|56|expand=no}} is shown as a justification for ]. ] Bakr Al-Samarai is shown raising a sword while declaring: "If Allah permits us, O nation of Mohammed, even the stone will say O Muslim. A Jew is hiding behind me, come and cut off his head. And we shall cut off his head! By ], we shall cut it off! O Jews! ] ] for the sake of Allah!"<ref name="sermonsamali">{{cite web|url=http://www.memri.org/bin/articles.cgi?Page=archives&Area=sr&ID=SR01303|title=Friday Sermons on Iraqi TV: October 2002 – March 2003|first=Steven|last=Stalinsky|date=2008-04-04|access-date=2008-03-30|work=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408193535/http://memri.org/bin/articles.cgi?Page=archives&Area=sr&ID=SR01303|archive-date=2008-04-08|url-status=live}}</ref> An auditorium of several hundred people respond with approving chants and fist shaking.<ref name="arutzsheva">{{cite news|url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/125728|title=Arutz Sheva Posts Censored "Fitna" Movie Explaining Islam|first=Hillel|last=Fendel|work=]|date=2008-03-30|access-date=2008-04-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080403031119/http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/125728|archive-date=2008-04-03|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
] is heard, and is used to demonstrate Islam's ] ideal. The Sura is translated here as: "They but wish that ye should reject faith, as they do, and thus be on the same footing as they, so take not friends from their ranks until they flee in the way of Allah. But if they turn renegades, seize them and kill them wherever ye find them, and take no friends or helpers from their ranks." This is shown through a ]: "If someone converts to Christianity, he deserves the death penalty." | |||
Following this, a three-year-old Muslim girl, says that Jews are "apes and pigs"<ref name="rwpopulist">{{cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,543853,00.html|title=Right-Wing Populist Wilders Releases Anti-Koran Film|date=2008-03-27|access-date=2008-03-31|work=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080401073710/http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,543853,00.html|archive-date=2008-04-01|url-status=live}}</ref> in an interview on ].<ref name="Basmallah">{{Cite web|url=http://www.memritv.org/clip/en/924.htm|title=3-Year-old Egyptian Basmallah: Jews Are Apes and Pigs|access-date=2008-03-28|publisher=memritv.org|date=2002-05-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080219015327/http://www.memritv.org/clip/en/924.htm|archive-date=2008-02-19|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
An Imam declares: "Islam is (more) superior than the Jews, than the Christians, than the Buddhists, than the Hindus. The only (law) Allah accepts is Islam." | |||
], verse 4{{Cite quran|47|4|expand=no}} is shown in relation to the murder of Dutch film director ], committed by ]. Bouyeri is reported as saying: "If I had the opportunity to get out of prison, and I had the opportunity to do it again, what I did on November 2nd, Allah I would have done exactly the same".<ref name="bouyeriquote">{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article543212.ece|work=]|title=Muslim radical confesses to Van Gogh killing in court tirade|date=2005-07-12|access-date=2008-03-29|first=Anthony|last=Browne|location=London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070218185644/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article543212.ece|archive-date=2007-02-18|url-status=dead}}</ref> Protesters are shown supporting Van Gogh's murder, warning others to heed the lesson or "pay with your blood". | |||
The final Suma shown is ], verse 39: "Fight them until there is no dissension, and the religion is entirely Allah's." This reinforces the previous segment, with Imams delivering proclamations of Islamic superiority to followers: | |||
Dutch newspaper headlines are reproduced, outlining ] threats of murder to prominent ], followed by footage of ]'s beheading. Armstrong's disembodied head is shown held up by ] terrorists.<ref name="armstrong">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/20/international/middleeast/20CND-IRAQ.html|title=Militants in Iraq Behead U.S. Hostage and Threaten 2 Others|access-date=2008-03-30|newspaper=The New York Times|date=2004-09-20|first=Edward|last=Wong|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510212107/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/20/international/middleeast/20CND-IRAQ.html|archive-date=2013-05-10|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="cue">{{cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,543378,00.html|title=Taking a Cue from the Danish Cartoon Scandal|first=Jyette|last=Klausen|work=]|date=2008-03-28|access-date=2008-03-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080328212148/http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,543378,00.html|archive-date=2008-03-28|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
*"Islam is a religion that wants to rule the world. It has done so before and eventually will rule it again." | |||
==== The Qur'an as a means for Islamic universalism ==== | |||
President ], of Iran, states: | |||
] speaks at a ], declaring "Islam is a religion that wants to rule the world. It has done so before and eventually, will rule it again".<ref name="meshkini">{{cite news|url=http://www.memritv.org/clip_transcript/en/148.htm|title=Ayatollah Meshkini In A Friday Sermon in Qom: An Islamic Rule Under Ayatollah Sistani Is Required in|work=]|date=2004-07-02|access-date=2008-03-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513081448/http://www.memritv.org/clip_transcript/en/148.htm|archive-date=2008-05-13|url-status=live}}</ref>]]The final Sura used in the film is ]:{{Cite quran|8|39|expand=no}} {{Blockquote|Fight them until there is no dissension, and the religion is entirely Allah's.<ref name="anxiety">{{cite news|url=http://www.bosnewslife.com/middle-east/egypt/3527-news-alert-christians-anxious-as-fitna-film-i|title=News Alert: Christians Anxious As Fitna Film Is Posted Online|date=2008-03-28|access-date=2008-03-29|work=BosNewsLife News Agency|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120003303/http://www.bosnewslife.com/middle-east/egypt/3527-news-alert-christians-anxious-as-fitna-film-i|archive-date=2008-11-20|url-status=live}}</ref>}} | |||
*"The message of the ] is global, and is not restricted to a specific place or time. Have no doubt... Allah willing, Islam will conquer what? It will conquer all the mountain tops of the world." | |||
President ] of ] is quoted as saying: | |||
Another Imam says to his supporters, | |||
*"We have ruled the world before, and by Allah, the day will come when we will rule the entire world again! The day will come when we will rule America. The day will come when we will rule Britain and the entire world!" | |||
{{Blockquote|The message of the Revolution is global, and is not restricted to a specific place or time. Have no doubt... Allah willing, Islam will conquer what? It will conquer all the mountain tops of the world.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://memri.org/bin/articles.cgi?Page=archives&Area=sd&ID=SP94505|title=Iran's New President Glorifies Martyrdom|date=2005-06-29|access-date=2008-03-28|work=]|first=Al-Sharq|last=Al-Awsat|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080409065449/http://memri.org/bin/articles.cgi?Page=archives&Area=sd&ID=SP94505|archive-date=2008-04-09|url-status=live}}</ref>}} | |||
The final segment of the film deals with issues related to Islam in the Netherlands, under the heading: "The Netherlands under the spell of islam". These issues include Islam's opposition to democracy, opposition to homosexuals, opposition to women's rights, and immigration. | |||
] is seen speaking to a congregation. He says: "We have ruled the world before, and by Allah, the day will come when we will rule the entire world again! The day will come when we will rule America. The day will come when we rule Britain and the entire world!"<ref name="arutzsheva" /> ] speaks in English: "You will take over the USA! You will take over the UK! You will take over Europe! You will defeat them all! You will get victory! You will take over Egypt! We trust in Allah!"<ref name="hstoday">{{cite news|url=http://hstoday.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2603&Itemid=128|title=Web Host Bans Film on Islamists|date=2008-03-27|access-date=2008-03-29|first=Anthony|last=Kimery|work=Homeland Security Today|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150127184235/http://hstoday.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2603&Itemid=128|archive-date=2015-01-27}}</ref> ] are shown holding signs that read: "Islam will dominate the world" and "Freedom go to hell".<ref name="bbc_london_protests_cartoon">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4682262.stm|title=Cartoon protest slogans condemned|access-date=2008-03-31|work=BBC News|date=2006-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012172653/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4682262.stm|archive-date=2007-10-12|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
An unidentified person claims that "The mosque will be part of the system of the government of Holland", in an apparant refusal to accept ]. Wilders' political ambitions may be found more readily here, as shown through his use of juxtaposing a newspaper headline "Cabinet: no ban on ]" against a Muslim woman fully covered up. A graph illustrating the number of ] since 1909 is shown, against a background of Muslim women. An apartment building is shown with many ], which may be symbolic of immigrants. Dutch police are shown removing their shoes before entering a mosque. | |||
A Dutch Muslim says he will enact an ] if his mother or sister "have sex with someone else". Another refuses to accept adultery or homosexuality, saying that "Islam considers something like that a crime." | |||
A postcard is shown, ostensibly from Holland, with pictures of mosques in place of visitor attractions, with the words "Groeten uit Nederland" superimposed. | |||
Audio recordings that are said to have been taken from mosques in Holland show Imams denouncing political parties, "worldly concepts like liberalism democracy." Another states that adulterers must be "]" to death. A graphic image of gays being hanged, under Sharia law<ref name="iran_hang_gay">{{Cite web|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article546754.ece|title=Public execution for the teenagers convicted of rape|accessdate=2008-03-28|publisher=The Times, London|year=2005-07-22}}</ref> is a depiction of a possible future dystopia of Holland. Children are shown with blood covering their faces, after being cut with knives by older people. ] is implied, and a decapitated woman's head is shown laying on a floor. Another woman dressed in a burqa is shot through the head by a man. | |||
Finally, a succession of newspaper headlines are shown, containing stories related to Islam in the Netherlands, their views, actions, ambitions and politics. Some verified headlines are: | |||
*"Sudanese demand execution of British 'miss teddy bear'" (see ]; a delegation of British Muslims went to Sudan and dissuaded the Sudanese, a fact which the film doesn't mention.) | |||
*Almost half of young Moroccans anti-western"<ref name="half_morroc">{{Cite web|url=http://www.volkskrant.nl/binnenland/article319760.ece/Bijna_helft_jonge_Marokkanen_antiwesters|title=Bijna helft jonge Marokkanen antiwesters|accessdate=2008-03-28|publisher=De Volkskrant, Nederland|year=2006-06-14}}</ref> | |||
*Moroccans throw gay in water"<ref name="gays_in_water">{{Cite web|url=http://www.telegraaf.nl/binnenland/64274861/Marokkanen_gooien_homo_in_het_water.html|title=Marokkanen gooien homo in het water|accessdate=2008-03-28|publisher=De Telegraaf, Nederland|year=2007-05-25}}</ref> | |||
*"Throw gays from tall buildings"<ref name="throw_gays_building">{{Cite web|url=http://www.volkskrant.nl/binnenland/article179512.ece|title=Islam-gids: 'Gooi homo's van hoge gebouwen'|accessdate=2008-03-28|publisher=De Volkskrant, Nederland|year=2004-04-22}}</ref> | |||
*"Al-Qaeda proclaims death penalty Jihad against Wilders"<ref name="jihad_wilders">{{Cite web|url=http://www.radionetherlands.nl/news/international/5660323/Wilders-death-threats-confirmed|title= Wilders death threats confirmed|accessdate=2008-03-28|publisher=www.radionetherlands.nl|year=2008-02-27}}</ref> | |||
The movie ends with a hand seen gripping a page of the Qur'an. As the frame goes black, a tearing sound is heard and the following rolls over the screen: | |||
] and the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/mar/28/netherlands.islam|title=Dutch await reaction after MP releases film on Qur'an|first=Toby|last=Sterling|work=]|publisher=]|date=2008-03-27|accessdate=2008-03-27}}</ref>]] | |||
{{cquote|The sound you heard was a page being removed from a phone book<br /> | |||
For it is not up to me, but to Muslims themselves<br /> | |||
to tear out the hateful verses from the Qur'an<br /> | |||
Muslims want you to make way for Islam<br /> | |||
but Islam does not make way for you<br /> | |||
The Government insists that you respect Islam,<br /> | |||
but Islam has no respect for you<br /> | |||
Islam wants to rule, submit (]), and seeks<br /> | |||
to destroy our western civilization<br /> | |||
In 1945, Nazism was defeated in Europe<br /> | |||
In 1989, Communism was defeated in Europe<br /> | |||
Now the Islamic ideology has to be defeated<br /> | |||
Stop Islamisation<br /> | |||
Defend our Freedom<br /> | |||
}} | |||
==== Islam and the Netherlands ==== | |||
After these lines have scrolled over the screen, the cartoon that was also shown during the start of the movie is shown, that resembles the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, carrying a bomb on his head, and the counter next to the image reaches zero. A lightning flash is shown, followed by the ending title screen, in which the book that resembles the Qur'an is closed and the characters of "Fitna" blur to "Fin". | |||
].]] | |||
The final segment of the film deals with issues related to Islam in the Netherlands, under the heading: "The Netherlands under the spell of Islam".<ref name="about">{{cite news|url=http://worldnews.about.com/b/2008/03/28/dutch-politician-releases-anti-quran-film-online.htm|title=Dutch Politician Releases Anti-Quran Film Online|date=2008-03-28|access-date=2008-03-30|first=Jennifer|last=Brea|work=]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080406124458/http://worldnews.about.com/b/2008/03/28/dutch-politician-releases-anti-quran-film-online.htm|archive-date=2008-04-06}}</ref> These issues include opposition to democracy, ] and ].<ref name="denounce">{{cite news|url=http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gbdWDY3d2pIF8SJM8-HhVKSIJz3wD8VMMVG80|title=Muslims Denounce Film Criticizing Islam|first=Toby|last=Sterling|date=2008-03-29|access-date=2008-03-28|agency=]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124173441/http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gbdWDY3d2pIF8SJM8-HhVKSIJz3wD8VMMVG80|archive-date=2013-01-24}}</ref> | |||
===Themes=== | |||
] atrocities to depict a ] Netherlands ] to ] Law and unable to prevent ] for gay men or adultereous women, ], and ].<ref name="slideshow">{{cite news|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idINIndia-32721720080327?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0|title=Dutch MP launches anti-Koran film on Internet - party|date=2008-03-27|accessdate=2008-03-27|work=]|first=Emma|last=Thomasson}}</ref>]] | |||
Wilders has said the 15-minute film will show how verses from the Qur'an are being used today<ref>{{cite mailing list | url=http://www.pvv.nl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=931&Itemid=1 |last = | first = | authorlink = | title = Nieuwsbrief Maart | mailinglist = Nieuwsbrief - Partij voor de Vrijheid (The PVV)| date = 2008-03-11 | accessdate = 2008-03-11}}</ref> to incite modern Muslims to behave violently and anti-democratically based on those verses.<ref name="content">{{cite news|title=Koranfilm Wilders heet 'het kwaad'|language=Dutch|url =http://www.telegraaf.nl/binnenland/3253921/_Koranfilm_Wilders_heet__het_kwaad___.html?pageNumber=2|work=telegraaf.nl|date=2008-02-09|accessdate=2008-03-08}}</ref><ref name="spectator_interview">{{cite news|url=http://www.spectator.co.uk/print/the-magazine/features/553681/a-filmmaker-who-lives-in-the-shadow-of-a-fatwa.thtml|title=A film-maker who lives in the shadow of a fatwa|first=Douglas|last=Murray|work=Spectator.co.uk|date=2008-03-12|accessdate=2008-03-24}}</ref> | |||
An unidentified person claims that "The ] will be part of the system of the government of ]", in an apparent refusal to accept ]. Wilders juxtaposes a newspaper headline "Cabinet: no ban on ]" against a Muslim woman fully covered up. A graph illustrating the number of Muslims in the Netherlands since 1909 is shown against a background of Muslim women.<ref name="amleak">{{cite news|url=http://www.huliq.com/55136/antiislam-movie-fitna-leaked-online|title=Anti-Islam Movie Fitna Leaked Online|date=2008-03-27|access-date=2008-03-29|work=HULIQ|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080731055749/http://www.huliq.com/55136/antiislam-movie-fitna-leaked-online|archive-date=2008-07-31|url-status=live}}</ref> Dutch police are shown removing their shoes before entering a mosque. A Dutch Muslim expresses his desire to enact an ], if his mother or sister commits '']'', the Islamic concept of ]. Another condemns homosexuality, saying "Islam considers something like that a crime". | |||
Wilders has described the film as "a call to shake off the creeping tyranny of ]" <ref name="foxiranwarn">{{cite web|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,324406,00.html|title=Iran Warns Netherlands Not to Air Controversial 'Anti-Muslim' Film|work=]|first=Michael|last=Park|date=2008-01-21|accessdate=2008-03-08}}</ref> | |||
A postcard is shown, ostensibly from the Netherlands, with pictures of mosques in place of visitor attractions, with the words "''Groeten uit Nederland''" ("Greetings from the Netherlands") superimposed.<ref name="pprotest">{{cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,543864,00.html|title=Wilders Sparks Political Protest|first=Gerald|last=Traufetter|date=2008-03-28|access-date=2008-03-28|work=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331024420/http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,543864,00.html|archive-date=2008-03-31|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
===Suras=== | |||
Audio recordings that are said to have been taken from mosques in the Netherlands show Imams denouncing ], "worldly concepts like liberalism democracy". Another states that female adulterers must be "]" to death, even when the man commits the adultery. A graphic image of ], under ] law is a depiction of a possible future dystopian Netherlands.<ref name="iran_hang_gay">{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article546754.ece|title=Public execution for the teenagers convicted of rape|access-date=2008-03-28|newspaper=The Times, London|date=2005-07-22|location=London|first=Our|last=Foreign|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070302120245/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article546754.ece|archive-date=2007-03-02|url-status=dead}}</ref> A series of ] show ],<ref name="newsau">{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23444763-23109,00.html|title=Dutch MP posts anti-Islam film|date=2008-03-28|access-date=2008-03-31|work=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302065543/http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23444763-23109,00.html|archive-date=2 March 2009}}</ref><ref name="slideshow">{{cite news|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idINIndia-32721720080327?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0|title=Dutch MP launches anti-Koran film on Internet - party|date=2008-03-28|access-date=2008-03-27|work=]|first=Emma|last=Thomasson|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080403004431/http://in.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idINIndia-32721720080327?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0|archive-date=2008-04-03|url-status=dead}}</ref> a woman's ] head lying on a floor,<ref name="qurandown">{{cite news|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/DBA6F1A2-E0B1-4E1E-BA92-6E19BFCEE98B.htm|title=Dutch Quran film website shut down|date=2008-03-22|access-date=2008-03-31|work=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327174132/http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/DBA6F1A2-E0B1-4E1E-BA92-6E19BFCEE98B.htm|archive-date=2008-03-27|url-status=live}}</ref> and a burqa-clad woman being shot through the head by a man.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/27/AR2008032703722.html?hpid=moreheadlines|title=Online, a Violent View of Islam|first=Molly|last=Moore|newspaper=]|date=2008-03-28|access-date=2008-03-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112191936/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/27/AR2008032703722.html?hpid=moreheadlines|archive-date=2012-11-12|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Parts of the following ] are mentioned in Fitna, in order of appearance: | |||
Finally, a succession of newspaper headlines are shown, containing stories related to Islam in the Netherlands, their views, actions, ambitions and politics.<ref name="fitnacnn1" /> Some verified headlines are: | |||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
*"Sudanese demand execution of British 'miss teddy bear{{'"}} (see ]) | |||
! Sura !! Title !! Verse | |||
*"Almost half of young Moroccans anti-Western"<ref name="half_morroc">{{Cite web|url=http://www.volkskrant.nl/binnenland/article319760.ece/Bijna_helft_jonge_Marokkanen_antiwesters|title=Bijna helft jonge Marokkanen antiwesters|access-date=2008-03-28|newspaper=De Volkskrant, Nederland|date=2006-06-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080328020804/http://www.volkskrant.nl/binnenland/article319760.ece/Bijna_helft_jonge_Marokkanen_antiwesters|archive-date=2008-03-28|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
*"Throw gays from tall buildings"<ref name="throw_gays_building">{{Cite web|url=http://www.volkskrant.nl/binnenland/article179512.ece|title=Islam-gids: 'Gooi homo's van hoge gebouwen'|access-date=2008-03-28 |newspaper=De Volkskrant, Nederland|date=2004-04-22}}</ref> | |||
| style="text-align:center;" | 8 || ] (''The Spoils of War'') || style="text-align:center;" | 60 | |||
*"Al-Qaeda proclaims death penalty Jihad against Wilders"<ref name="jihad_wilders">{{Cite web|url=http://www.radionetherlands.nl/news/international/5660323/Wilders-death-threats-confirmed|title= Wilders death threats confirmed|access-date=2008-03-28 |publisher=]|date=2008-02-27 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080302035335/http://www.radionetherlands.nl/news/international/5660323/Wilders-death-threats-confirmed <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2008-03-02}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| style="text-align:center;" | 4 || ] (''The Women'') || style="text-align:center;" | 56 | |||
|- | |||
| style="text-align:center;" | 47 || ] (''Muhammad'') || style="text-align:center;" | 4 | |||
|- | |||
| style="text-align:center;" | 4 || ] (''The Women'') || style="text-align:center;" | 89 | |||
|- | |||
| style="text-align:center;" | 8 || ] (''The Spoils of War'') || style="text-align:center;" | 39 | |||
|} | |||
The film ends with a hand seen gripping a page of the Qur'an and a call to action from Wilders to defeat "Islamic ideology", likening it to ] and ].<ref name="fitnacnn1">{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/03/27/islam.film/|title=Dutch lawmaker's film criticizing Islam finds Web host|first=Samira|last=Simone|date=2008-03-27|access-date=2008-03-28|work=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080402231223/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/03/27/islam.film/|archive-date=2008-04-02|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/f422f4d8-fc68-11dc-9229-000077b07658.html|title=Dutch MP releases anti-Koran film|first=Michael|last=Steen|work=]|date=2008-03-28|access-date=2008-03-28}}</ref> | |||
=== Quranic chapters === | |||
], translated here as: "Those who have disbelieved our signs, we shall roast them in fire. Whenever their skins are cooked to a turn, we shall substitute new skins for them, that they may feel the punishment; Verily Allah is sublime and wise."]] | |||
The following ]s are mentioned in ''Fitna'' in order of appearance.<ref name="ABCInterview">{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/Story?id=4544952&page=1|title=Uproar Over Anti-Islam Film Falls Flat|date=2008-03-28|access-date=2008-03-29|first=Rehab|last=El-Buri|work=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080330155058/https://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=4544952&page=1|archive-date=2008-03-30|url-status=live}}</ref> The ] is from ]'s ''The Meaning of the Glorious Koran''. Only the passages marked as bold are included in the quotations in the film, while the related passages are omitted. | |||
===Salah Edin=== | |||
*When referring to the murder of ], instead of showing the murderer (])'s face, a picture of the Dutch ] Salah Edin is displayed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bieslog.vpro.nl/programma/bieslog/news.jsp?news=39416628|language=Dutch|title=Bieslog - DE film (2)|date=2008-03-27|accessdate=2008-03-27}}</ref><ref name="populist" /> The picture was shot for the rapper's album 'Nederlands Grootste Nachtmerrie' (Netherlands' Worst Nightmare), which according to the singer's website, was shot to be 'exactly like the mugshot of convicted killer Mohamed B'.<ref>http://www.salahedin.com/news_iframe.php</ref> A 2007 article by Dutch newspaper De Dag had captioned an article about the killer with the shot. On that occasion, Salah Edin's received an out-of-court a libel settlement for the publication. The photo was said by the rapper to be intended to depict "the way the average white Dutch citizen sees me, as a young Moroccan Muslim radical. That's why I chose to do this picture and use it for the front cover of my album. It is no in way supporting the deeds of Mohamed B". | |||
''']''' (''The Spoils of War'') ] | |||
==Reaction prior to the release of the movie== | |||
It was feared that the film would lead to violent demonstrations by Muslims such as the organized protests against the ] that were published in the Danish newspaper ']' in ].<ref name="embassyburning">{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4681294.stm|title=Embassies burn in cartoon protest|date=2006-02-04|accessdate=2008-03-08|publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
This previous Muslim violence resulted in the burning of the Danish embassy in ] and other acts of violence around the world, including the murder of a ] ] and people from several different religions, including Muslims.<ref>{{cite news | title =In defence of the right to offend | url = http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/cdc31436-cbb1-11dc-97ff-000077b07658.html |date = ] | accessdate =2008-01-27 |author=Caldwell, Christopher| work= |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
'''Make ready for them all thou canst of (armed) force and of horses tethered, that thereby ye may dismay the enemy of Allah and your enemy, and others beside them whom ye know not. Allah knoweth them. Whatsoever ye spend in the way of Allah it will be repaid to you in full, and ye will not be wronged.''' And if they incline to peace, incline thou also to it, and trust in Allah. Lo! He, even He, is the Hearer, the Knower.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.quranbrowser.com/cgi/bin/retrieve.cgi?version=pickthall+yusufali+khan+shakir+arberry&searchstring=008%3A60%E2%80%9361 |title=Pickthall 8:60–61 |access-date=2019-01-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305091515/http://www.quranbrowser.com/cgi/bin/retrieve.cgi?version=pickthall+yusufali+khan+shakir+arberry&searchstring=008:60%E2%80%9361 |archive-date=2016-03-05 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
===Reaction from the Netherlands=== | |||
The movie was first mentioned in the Dutch media on ] ]. The Dutch government almost immediately expressed great concern about the film release.<ref name="First mention of the movie">{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraaf.nl/binnenland/2634487/Provocerende_film_Wilders.html?p=26,1|language=Dutch|title=Provocerende film Wilders|work=]|first=Paul|last=Jansen|date=2007-11-27|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref> It made evacuation plans available to all its consulates and embassies worldwide, in case an emergency should arise in light of the forthcoming film, and it tightened security measurements around certain military installations abroad.<ref name="filmworry">{{cite web|url=http://www.nowpublic.com/politics/wilders-and-his-film-worry-dutch-expats|title=Wilders and his film worry Dutch expats|first=Perro|last=de Jong|date=2008-01-23|accessdate=2008-03-08|work=]}}</ref> | |||
''']''' (''The Women'') ] | |||
Prime minister ] of the Netherlands worried about possible repercussions for Dutch citizens and economic interests.<ref name="balkenende">{{cite web|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/mar/03/netherlands.islam|title=Dutch government could ban anti-Islam film|first=Mark|last=Tran|date=2008-03-03|accessdate=2008-03-08|work=]}}</ref> In response Wilders accused Balkenende of ] to Islam.<ref name="balkenende2">{{cite web|url=http://www.elsevier.nl/nieuws/laatste_24_uur/artikel/asp/artnr/194215/|language=Dutch|title=Wilders: Premier is beroepslafaard|date=2008-02-23|accessdate=2008-03-08|work=elsevier.nl}}</ref> | |||
'''Lo! Those who disbelieve Our revelations, We shall expose them to the Fire. As often as their skins are consumed We shall exchange them for fresh skins that they may taste the torment. Lo! Allah is ever Mighty, Wise.''' | |||
The publication of the film was investigated by the ] to find out whether the release of the film could be prevented, but this could not be done.<ref name="dmjreview">{{cite web|url=http://www.danielpipes.org/blog/815|title=Will Geert Wilders Show His Film on the Koran?|date=2007-12-29|accessdate=2008-03-08|first=Daniel|last=Pipes}}</ref> | |||
And as for those who believe and do good works, We shall make them enter Gardens underneath which rivers flow – to dwell therein for ever; there for them are pure companions—and We shall make them enter plenteous shade.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.quranbrowser.com/cgi/bin/retrieve.cgi?version=pickthall+yusufali+khan+shakir+arberry&searchstring=004%3A56%E2%80%9357 |title=Pickthall 4:56–57 |access-date=2019-01-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304214913/http://www.quranbrowser.com/cgi/bin/retrieve.cgi?version=pickthall+yusufali+khan+shakir+arberry&searchstring=004:56%E2%80%9357 |archive-date=2016-03-04 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
''']''' (''Muhammad'') ] | |||
On ], ], the Dutch government raised its national terroristic threat level from the status 'limited terroristic threat' to 'substantial terroristic threat' because it fears Muslim terrorists will launch attacks against European targets, citing the film as justification.<ref name="terror">{{cite web|url=http://www.hln.be/hln/nl/960/Buitenland/article/detail/196174/2008/03/06/Nederland-vreest-aanslagen-wegens-film-Wilders.dhtml|title=Nederland vreest aanslagen wegens film Wilders|language=Dutch|date=2008-03-06|accessdate=2008-03-08|work=hln.be}}</ref><ref name="terror2">{{cite news|url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3175532,00.html|title=Dutch Raise Terror Threat Level After Film Stokes Muslim Hostility|date=2008-03-07|accessdate=2008-03-09|work=dw-world.de}}</ref> | |||
'''Now when ye meet in battle those who disbelieve, then it is smiting of the necks until, when ye have routed them, then making fast of bonds;''' and afterward either grace or ransom till the war lay down its burdens. That (is the ordinance). And if Allah willed He could have punished them (without you) but (thus it is ordained) that He may try some of you by means of others. And those who are slain in the way of Allah, He rendereth not their actions vain.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.quranbrowser.com/cgi/bin/retrieve.cgi?version=pickthall+yusufali+khan+shakir+arberry&searchstring=047:4 |title=Pickthall 47:4 |access-date=2013-10-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103151235/http://www.quranbrowser.com/cgi/bin/retrieve.cgi?version=pickthall+yusufali+khan+shakir+arberry&searchstring=047:4 |archive-date=2013-11-03 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
Public protests have occurred on ], in ], on ], ]. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7309838.stm|title= Dutch protest against Islam film |date=2008-03-22|work=]}}</ref> | |||
''']''' (''The Women'') ] | |||
In response to concerns, Dutch broadcaster ] created a multi-language website to detail the film, the surrounding controversy, its creator, and the nation of its origin.<ref name="Radio Netherlands site">{{cite web|url=http://www.rnw.nl/aboutfitna/|title= About Fitna The Movie|accessdate=2008-03-24|publisher=]}}</ref> The Dutch newspaper ] printed a reconstruction of how the concerns came about and who was responsible for them.<ref name="De Pers Article reconstructie van fitna-gate">{{cite web|url=http://www.depers.nl/binnenland/178021/Reconstructie-van-Fitna-gate.html|title=Reconstructie van Fitna-gate|accessdate=2008-03-27|publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
'''They long that ye should disbelieve even as they disbelieve, that ye may be upon a level (with them). So choose not friends from them till they forsake their homes in the way of Allah; if they turn back (to enmity) then take them and kill them wherever ye find them, and choose no friend nor helper from among them,''' | |||
The film also caused severe reactions in newspapers. In one issue of ], an ad is posted which claims that if Wilders had said the things he has said about Muslims about Jews, he would have been prosecuted for antisemitism.{{fact|date=March 2008}} | |||
Except those who seek refuge with a people between whom and you there is a covenant, or (those who) come unto you because their hearts forbid them to make war on you or make war on their own folk. Had Allah willed He could have given them power over you so that assuredly they would have fought you. So, if they hold aloof from you and wage not war against you and offer you peace, Allah alloweth you no way against them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.quranbrowser.com/cgi/bin/retrieve.cgi?version=pickthall+yusufali+khan+shakir+arberry&searchstring=004:89-90|title=YaQuB: Yet Another Quran Browser|work=quranbrowser.com|access-date=2013-10-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103144800/http://www.quranbrowser.com/cgi/bin/retrieve.cgi?version=pickthall+yusufali+khan+shakir+arberry&searchstring=004:89-90|archive-date=2013-11-03|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
''']''' (''The Spoils of War'') ] | |||
===International reaction=== | |||
The ] alerted its diplomatic missions around the world to expect a reaction to the release of the film.<ref name="eu1">{{cite web|url=http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/961220.html|title=EU braces for outrage over Dutch lawmaker's anti-Koran film|date=2008-03-05|accessdate=2008-03-25|work=]}}</ref> | |||
Tell those who disbelieve that if they cease (from persecution of believers) that which is past will be forgiven them; but if they return (thereto) then the example of the men of old hath already gone (before them, for a warning). | |||
] said it feared that the consequences of ''Fitna'' would affect the safety of ].<ref name="natofears">{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7274259.stm|title=Nato fears over Dutch Islam film|date=2008-03-03|accessdate=2008-03-08|work=]}}</ref> Indeed, Zabihullah Mujahid stressed that the ] would probably increase their attacks on Dutch military and humanitarian peacekeepers in Afghanistan, if the film were released.<ref name="talibanthreat">{{cite web|url=http://kleinverzet.blogspot.com/2008/02/taliban-threatens-attacks-because-of.html|title=Taliban threatens attacks because of Wilders film|date=2008-02-28|accessdate=2008-03-08|work=]|publisher=Expatica News}}</ref> | |||
'''And fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is all for Allah. But if they cease, then lo! Allah is Seer of what they do'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.quranbrowser.com/cgi/bin/retrieve.cgi?version=pickthall+yusufali+khan+shakir+arberry&searchstring=008:38-39|title=YaQuB: Yet Another Quran Browser|work=quranbrowser.com|access-date=2013-10-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103150034/http://www.quranbrowser.com/cgi/bin/retrieve.cgi?version=pickthall+yusufali+khan+shakir+arberry&searchstring=008:38-39|archive-date=2013-11-03|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
=== Differences between first and second release === | |||
Syria's ], Ahmad Badr al-Din, said that if Geert Wilders pictures the image of a burning Qur'an in his film, the Dutch people will be held responsible and possible attacks against Western public interests are not out of the question.<ref name="timeline">{{cite web|url=http://www.fitnathemovie.info/timeline.php|title=Geert Wilders Fitna Movie Timeline|publisher=FeceOnAir.com|accessdate=2008-03-08}}</ref> | |||
The first edition used copyrighted Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons without permission. These were removed from the second edition. | |||
Also in the first edition of the film, and removed from the second edition,<ref name="karachi2" /> when referring to the murder of ] a picture of the Dutch ] ] is displayed instead of the murderer ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bieslog.vpro.nl/programma/bieslog/news.jsp?news=39416628|language=nl|title=Bieslog - DE film (2)|date=2008-03-27|access-date=2008-03-27|work=]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205172631/http://bieslog.vpro.nl/programma/bieslog/news.jsp?news=39416628|archive-date=2008-12-05}}</ref><ref name="populist">{{cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/0,1518,543855,00.html|title=Koranfeindliches Video veröffentlicht - Protest gegen Rechtspopulist Wilders|language=de|first=Gerald|last=Traufetter|work=]|date=2008-03-27|access-date=2008-03-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080328194925/http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/0,1518,543855,00.html|archive-date=2008-03-28|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.menassat.com/?q=en/news-articles/3347-fitna-much-ado-about-nothing|title=Fitna, Much ado about nothing?|work=Menassat|date=2008-03-28|access-date=2008-03-28|author=Al-Tahawy, Amira|author2=Sandels, Alexandra|author3=Barotta, Rita|author4=Van Langendonck, Gert|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080404105300/http://www.menassat.com/?q=en%2Fnews-articles%2F3347-fitna-much-ado-about-nothing|archive-date=2008-04-04|url-status=live}}</ref> The picture was shot for the rapper's album 'Nederlands Grootste Nachtmerrie' (Netherlands' Worst Nightmare), which according to the singer's website, was shot to be 'exactly like the mugshot of convicted killer Mohamed B'.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://3voor12.vpro.nl/artikelen/artikel/34627842|title=Salah Edin legt toch eed af in treinkrant DAG|language=nl|date=2007-05-10|access-date=2008-03-27|first=Robert|last=Lagendijk|work=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070912230945/http://3voor12.vpro.nl/artikelen/artikel/34627842|archive-date=2007-09-12|url-status=live}}</ref> A 2007 article by Dutch tabloid newspaper ] had illustrated an article about the killer with the photograph. On that occasion, Salah Edin's received an out-of-court ] ] for the publication.<ref name="salahedin-news"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071101124024/http://www.salahedin.com/news_iframe.php |date=2007-11-01 }} - page on Salah Edin's website.</ref> The photo was said by the rapper to be intended to depict "the way the average white Dutch citizen sees me, as a young Moroccan Muslim radical. That's why I chose to do this picture and use it for the front cover of my album. It is in no way supporting the deeds of Mohamed B."<ref name="salahedin-news" /> | |||
Wilders is the subject of a ], allegedly associated with ], calling upon Muslims to assassinate Wilders in the name of Islam. <ref name="alqaedafatwa">{{cite web|url=http://www.nisnews.nl/public/280208_5.htm|title='Al Qaeda Fatwa against MP Wilders'|date=2008-02-28|accessdate=2008-03-08|work=NIS News Bulletin}}</ref> | |||
== Reaction == | |||
] has threatened to review its diplomatic stance with The Netherlands, should the film be aired.<ref name="foxiranwarn" /> | |||
{{Main|International reaction to Fitna}} | |||
International reaction to ''Fitna'' consisted of condemnation in the ], ]s by ] and an Australian ] calling for the beheading of Geert Wilders, and attempts by ]n countries to ] the film.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-dutch-wilders-idUSTRE68217920100903|title=Muslim cleric calls for beheading of Dutch politician|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617152746/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-dutch-wilders-idUSTRE68217920100903|archive-date=2017-06-17}}</ref><ref name="jihad_wilders" /><ref name="alqaedafatwa">{{cite web|url=http://www.nisnews.nl/public/280208_5.htm|title=Al Qaeda Fatwa against MP Wilders|date=2008-02-28|access-date=2008-03-08|work=NIS News Bulletin|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302014937/http://www.nisnews.nl/public/280208_5.htm|archive-date=2008-03-02}}</ref> The Dutch government allegedly "distanced itself from the film".<ref name="genaff">{{cite news|url=http://www.minaz.nl/english/News/Press_releases_and_news_items/2008/Maart/Government_s_reaction_to_Wilders_film|title=(Dutch) Government's reaction to Wilders' film|date=2008-03-27|access-date=2008-03-27|work=] |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080404045120/http://www.minaz.nl/english/News/Press_releases_and_news_items/2008/Maart/Government_s_reaction_to_Wilders_film <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2008-04-04}}</ref> | |||
], the most populous Muslim country and itself a ], has conducted a ban on several web sites, such as ], ], ] and ], as directed by the Ministry of Communications and Informations.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.antara.co.id/en/arc/2008/4/6/indonesian-internet-providers-start-blocking-dutch-film-report/|title=Indonesian Internet providers start blocking Dutch film: report|date=2008-04-06|access-date=2008-04-09|work=]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080409184158/http://www.antara.co.id/en/arc/2008/4/6/indonesian-internet-providers-start-blocking-dutch-film-report/|archive-date=2008-04-09}}</ref> On April 11, the Indonesian government lifted the ban. Indonesian communications minister Muhammad Nuh apologised to the public for the inconvenience.<ref name="indoback">{{cite news|url=http://asia.cnet.com/blogs/toekangit/post.htm?id=63003134&t=tag|title=The end of the YouTube drama in Indonesia|first=Budi|last=Putra|work=]|date=2008-04-14|access-date=2008-04-13|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080422002050/http://asia.cnet.com/blogs/toekangit/post.htm?id=63003134&t=tag|archive-date=2008-04-22}}</ref><ref name="indoback2">{{cite news|url=http://www.betanews.com/article/Indonesia_lifts_its_YouTube_ban/1207942109|title=Indonesia lifts its YouTube ban|work=BetaNews|date=2008-04-11|access-date=2008-04-13|first=Tim|last=Conneally|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080414010014/http://www.betanews.com/article/Indonesia_lifts_its_YouTube_ban/1207942109|archive-date=2008-04-14|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Public protests occurred in ], ].<ref name="kabul1">{{cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSISL1279420080322?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0|title=Afghans chant death in cartoon protest|date=2008-03-22|accessdate=2008-03-24|work=]|first=Ahmad|last=Masood}}</ref><ref name="kabul2">{{cite news|url=http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=48495§ionid=351020403|title=Afghans protest Danish cartoons|date=2008-03-22|accessdate=2008-03-24|work=]}}</ref> | |||
Geert Wilders' film failed to generate much "controversy" in ] although the government did express its outrage on the day of its release and conservative websites complained about it for a while. By and large, ''Fitna'' elicited indifference among the general public. There was an anti-Fitna demonstration, but just 30 people turned up and they were carrying signs that had "nothing to do with the film".<ref></ref> | |||
] is closely monitoring the situation.<ref name="egypt">{{cite web|url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gPfRaEYgm1Qxcws2W1wbCuTK9GGw|title=Egypt 'monitoring attacks on Islam ahead of Dutch TV film'|date=2008-02-22|accessdate=2008-03-08|work=]|publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
In response to the film, ] ] published an ] in the Arabic-language newspaper '']'' on March 30. In the article, he asks of the readers to "keep the head cool and the relations warm" and urged dialogue, not provocation, as a means to bridge the cultural differences.<ref> ], 30 maart 2008</ref> | |||
French President ] officially declared that ] would provide every necessary support to aid the Netherlands in the suppression of any Muslim violence that would result from ''Fitna'''s release.<ref name="francehelp">{{cite web|url=http://www.hln.be/hln/nl/960/Buitenland/article/detail/195560/2008/03/05/Frankrijk-belooft-Nederland-steun-na-Wilders-film.dhtml|title=Frankrijk belooft Nederland steun na Wilders-film|language=Dutch|date=2008-03-05|accessdate=2008-03-08|work=hln.be}}</ref> | |||
On 1 April, a debate was held about the film in the Dutch parliament. In this debate, the government and Geert Wilders accused each other of lying about facts of their previous communication. According to various members of the government, Wilders had told in previous conversations about his intentions to tear parts out of the Qur'an and setting them on fire. Wilders denied this.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120530155757/http://player.omroep.nl/?aflID=6794707&md5=d54613a59b56e8b197637a16ceb3c1e2 |date=2012-05-30 }} NOS/VARA/NPS</ref> | |||
Brad Thor discussed on Glenn Beck's CNN Headline News program the "Network Solutions" suspension of Wilders web site. <ref>http://youtube.com/watch?v=JKVbp4k_hdQ</ref> | |||
=== |
=== Legal actions === | ||
{{Main|First trial of Geert Wilders}} | |||
In February 2008, Pakistani regulators internally banned YouTube for several days due to a "blasphemous" video clip one report claimed to be a trailer for ''Fitna''. ] eventually complied with the Pakistani protest and the material was removed.<ref name="pakistanblock">{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7261727.stm|title=Pakistan blocks YouTube website|date=2008-02-24|accessdate=2008-03-08|work=]}}</ref><ref name="pakistanlift">{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7262071.stm|title=Pakistan lifts the ban on YouTube|date=2008-02-26|accessdate=2008-03-08|work=]}}</ref><ref name="pakistanunblock">{{cite web|url=http://www.metimes.com/Security/2008/02/26/pakistan_unblocks_youtube_after_video_goes/a471/|title=Pakistan unblocks YouTube after video goes|date=2008-02-26|first=Shaun|last=Waterman|work=]|publisher=]}}</ref> As a result of the block, ] accidentally caused the YouTube site to be unavailable worldwide for a couple of hours.<ref name="worldwideoutage">{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/02/25/pakistan.youtube/index.html|title=Pakistan move knocked out YouTube|work=]|date=2008-02-05|accessdate=2008-03-08|coauthors=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/infotech/view/20080226-121307/Pakistans-YouTube-ban-briefly-affected-global-access|title=Pakistan's YouTube ban briefly affected global access|work=]|publisher=Inquirer.net|date=2008-02-26|accessdate=2008-03-27}}</ref> | |||
One of the ] was included in the film without the permission of the artist, ]. Westergaard has asserted that this infringes his ] and is considering taking legal action against Wilders.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080328193717/http://jp.dk/indland/article1304495.ece |date=2008-03-28 }}, ], 27 maart 2008</ref> The Danish Union of Journalists has said it will file a lawsuit on Westergaard's behalf.<ref name="union">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/03/28/wgert228.xml|title=Danish cartoonist to sue Dutch MP over anti-Islamic film|author=Moore, Matthew|author2=Waterfield, Bruno|author3=Clements, Joan|date=2008-03-29|access-date=2008-03-28|work=]|location=London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331192524/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fnews%2F2008%2F03%2F28%2Fwgert228.xml|archive-date=2008-03-31|url-status=dead}}</ref> Similarly Dutch director ] announced to file a lawsuit because of the uncredited use of his interview with ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/252338/After_The_Release_of_Fitna_Wilders_Faces_Numerous_Lawsuits|title=After The Release of Fitna, Wilders Faces Numerous Lawsuits|date=2008-03-28|access-date=2008-03-30|work=Digital Journal|first=Can|last=Tran|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080403005122/http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/252338/After_The_Release_of_Fitna_Wilders_Faces_Numerous_Lawsuits|archive-date=2008-04-03|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
On ], in a statement on its website, the ] offered to screen ''Fitna'' if it were to be banned in the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,543223,00.html|title=Czech National Party offers its web server for hosting the movie|accessdate=2008-03-26|work=]|date=2008-03-25}}</ref> | |||
In 2010 and 2011 Wilders was accused of criminally insulting religious and ethnic groups and ] and ]. However, he was found not guilty in June 2011.<ref name="acquitted1">{{cite news |url=http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2011/06/23/wilders-vrijgesproken-van-groepsbelediging/ |title=Wilders op alle punten vrijgesproken |last=Hinke |first=Bart |date=23 June 2011 |work=] |language=nl |access-date=23 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624052102/http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2011/06/23/wilders-vrijgesproken-van-groepsbelediging/ |archive-date=2011-06-24 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
====Fitnathemovie.com website suspension==== | |||
In early March 2008, a preliminary version of the movie's official website, fitnathemovie.com, was put online. The only page on the site consisted of a picture of the Qur'an accompanied by the text "Geert Wilders presents Fitna" and "Coming soon". On ], the hosting provider of the website, ], replaced the page with a message stating that the company “is investigating whether the site's content is in violation of the Network Solutions ].” and that “Network Solutions has received a number of complaints regarding this site that are under investigation.”<ref name="NetworkSolutions_takedown">{{cite web|url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080323/film_nm/islam_wilders_site_dc|title= Web host suspends site planned for anti-Koran film|date=2008-03-23|accessdate=2008-03-24|work=]|publisher=]}}</ref><ref name="NetworkSolutions_takedown2">{{cite news|url=http://blog.washingtonpost.com/securityfix/2008/03/networksolutions_precensors_an.html|title=Network Solutions Pre-Censors Anti-Islam Site|date=2008-03-23|accessdate=2008-03-24|work=]|first=Brian|last=Krebs}}</ref><ref name="NetworkSolutions_takedown3">{{cite news|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/03/23/europe/EU-GEN-Netherlands-Quran-Film.php|title=Web site for Dutch anti-Quran film suspended by host|work=]|publisher=]|date=2008-03-23|accessdate=2008-03-24}}</ref> | |||
On ], Network Solutions issued a press release saying the company asked Wilders for a copy of the film to review to gauge compliance with the Acceptable User Policy. It was only after they received no response from Wilders, they say, that they suspended the website.<ref name="Network Solutions Press Release">{{cite news|url=http://newsroom.networksolutions.com/2008/network-solutions-statement-on-fitnathemoviecom/|date=2008-03-24|accessdate=2008-03-27|work=]|title=Network Solutions’ Statement Regarding the Suspension of Fitnathemovie.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9071659&intsrc=hm_list|title=Network Solutions suspends anti-Islamist film Web site|first=Linda|last=Rosencrance|work=]|date=2008-03-25|accessdate=2008-03-27}}</ref> Wilders responded saying he has other options available and his film will be made public before ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2008/03/wilders_website_provider_wants.php|title=Network Solutions wants to see the film|accessdate=2008-03-26}}</ref>The shutdown was followed by extensive criticism of Network Solutions' alleged hypocrisy in hosting the domain of ], an entity that America and the Netherlands (along with four other countries) designate as a ].<ref name="US: Hizbolla - yes, Wilders - no">{{cite web|url=http://europenews.dk/en/node/8671|title= US: Hizbolla - yes, Wilders - no|date=2008-03-23|accessdate=2008-03-24|work=The Avid Editor’s Insights|publisher=EuropeNews}}</ref><ref name="Network Solutions Hizbollah Whois">{{cite web|url=https://my.mirahost.com/order/viewwhois.php?domain=hizbollah&ext=org|title=] information for hizbollah.org|work=mirahost|date=1998-02-06|accessdate=2008-03-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.minbuza.nl/nl/actueel/brievenparlement,2003/12/beantwoording_toezegging_inzake_de_positie_van_hezbollah.html|title=beantwoording toezegging inzake de positie van hezbollah |publisher=The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs|accessdate=2006-10-11|pages=1}}</ref><ref name="nlfas">{{cite web|url=http://www.fas.org/irp/world/netherlands/aivd2004-eng.pdf|title=Annual Report 2004|publisher=Netherlands General intelligence and security service|accessdate=2008-03-25|date=2005-01-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.state.gov/s/ct/rls/fs/37191.htm|title=Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs)|accessdate=2006-07-16|date=2005-10-11|publisher=]}} "Current List of Designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations ... 14. Hizballah (Party of God)".</ref> | |||
On 12 February 2009, Wilders was denied entry to the ] after being invited by the ] of the ] to show his film in the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7885918.stm|title=Dutch MP refused entry to Britain|work=]|date=2009-02-12|access-date=2009-02-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213110041/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7885918.stm|archive-date=2009-02-13|url-status=live}}</ref> He declared this "a sad day for the United Kingdom" and accused the government of cowardice. Wilders appealed the ban, and on 13 October 2009, it was overturned by the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8304926.stm|title=Dutch MP overturns UK entry ban|work=]|date=2009-10-13|access-date=2009-10-16}}</ref> The UK ] then stated its intention not to appeal the tribunal decision, and Wilders' planned visit to the UK went ahead, with his arriving in the country on 16 October 2009. Wilders described the decision to overturn the ban as a "victory for freedom of speech".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8308982.stm|title=Dutch MP hails UK visit "victory"|work=]|date=2009-10-16|access-date=2009-10-16}}</ref> | |||
==Reaction after the release of the movie== | |||
The reaction was partly mild in comparison with what was expected, with some Muslim delegates describing it as “not as jarring as anticipated”, saying they were “extremely relieved”. A worldwide violent reaction is not expected by several sources, in stark contrast with threats made by Islamic leaders in the months before the release of the film.<ref name="apafterfitna">{{cite news|url=http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gbdWDY3d2pIF8SJM8-HhVKSIJz3wD8VM07T81|title=Dutch Lawmaker Releases Anti-Quran Film|first=Toby|last=Sterling|work=]|publisher=]|date=2008-03-27|accessdate=2008-03-27}}</ref><ref name="dnfitna">{{cite news|url=http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2008/03/wilders_film_within_the_law_sa.php|title='Fitna' within the law, says Muslim group|date=2008-03-27|accessdate=2008-03-27|work=DutchNews.nl}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,342470,00.html|title=First Reactions to Dutch Anti-Quran Film Are Muted|date=2008-03-27|accessdate=2008-03-27|work=]}}</ref> | |||
=== Films made in response === | |||
In a televised reaction following the release, Mr. Balkenende, Prime Minister of the Netherlands came with a reaction on behalf of the Dutch government.<ref name="genaff">{{cite news|url=http://www.minaz.nl/english/News/Press_releases_and_news_items/2008/Maart/Government_s_reaction_to_Wilders_film|title=(Dutch) Government's reaction to Wilders' film|date=2008-03-27|accessdate=2008-03-27|work=]}}</ref> | |||
On 28 March, a film was released by the ], named '']''.<ref></ref> A ] ]ger made a contra-film in April called ''Schism''.<ref>{{cite web| newspaper=Kuwait Times| date=2008-04-11| url=http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=MTIxODc2ODY5Nw| title=Schism counters Fitna| access-date=2008-04-14| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080630050313/http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=MTIxODc2ODY5Nw| archive-date=2008-06-30}}</ref> It was also released on ]. | |||
Amongst other things, it stated:<blockquote> | |||
"The film equates Islam with violence. We reject this interpretation. The vast majority of Muslims reject extremism and violence. In fact, the victims are often also Muslims... ...We therefore regret that Mr Wilders has released this film. We believe it serves no purpose other than to cause offence."<ref name="genaff"/></blockquote> | |||
Dutch parliamentarians of the largest political parties, ] (]), ] (]) and ] (]) stated that it is sad that the film does not present any solutions to current problems in the Dutch society - integration of muslim immigrants and muslim extremism - and invited Mr. Wilders to discuss possible solutions in the parliament.<ref name="nova27">{{cite news|url=http://novatv.nl/index.cfm?ln=nl&fuseaction=videoaudio.details&reportage_id=5923&CFID=39188582&CFTOKEN=29478978|title=Fitna is released, how does the Netherlands and the world react?||language=Dutch|work=Nova 27 March|publisher=] ]|date=2008-03-27|accessdate=2008-03-27}}</ref> | |||
== Sequel == | |||
According to '']'', a speaker for a Muslim organization, Yusuf Altuntas, said that Wilders "is obviously looking to push the limits, but he resists crossing them." For instance, in the film a ripping sound overlaid with imagery of the Qur'an is said to be the ripping of a page from the phone book, and thunder sounds are replacing what might otherwise be perceived as bomb explosion sounds. The Arabic expert Leo Kwarten on the other hand is quoted to have said that "these subtleties may however be lost in the Arabic world."<ref name="populist">{{cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/0,1518,543855,00.html|title=Koranfeindliches Video veröffentlicht - Protest gegen Rechtspopulist Wilders|language=Dutch|first=Gerald|last=Traufetter|work=]|date=2008-03-27|accessdate=2008-03-27}}</ref> | |||
Wilders has stated that he plans to release a sequel to ''Fitna''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/dutch-mp-plans-sequel-to-anti-islam-film-fitna-1.817839 |work=CBC News |title=Dutch MP plans sequel to anti-Islam film Fitna |date=2009-04-16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417181739/http://www.cbc.ca/arts/film/story/2009/04/16/wilders-geert-fitna-sequel.html |archive-date=April 17, 2009 }}</ref> In March 2010, Wilders announced that he plans to release a second movie about the spread of Islam, but not until after Dutch elections in June. He said the sequel to his 2008 film would focus on the consequences of mass migration from Muslim countries, freedom of expression, and ''Sharia'' or Muslim law. He indicated that he received help from professionals in the US to make his film.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/313353,dutch-politician-muslim-critic-plans-new-film-but-after-elections.html#ixzz0hq37975g|title=Dutch politician, Muslim critic plans new film, but after elections|work=earthtimes.org|access-date=2010-03-11|archive-date=2012-09-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923100225/http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/313353,dutch-politician-muslim-critic-plans-new-film-but-after-elections.html#ixzz0hq37975g|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
In 2017, Wilders announced on ] that he was making a sequel.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://nltimes.nl/2017/04/10/wilders-plans-sequels-anti-islam-film-fitna |title=Wilders plans sequels to anti-Islam film Fitna |access-date=2017-09-30 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200717171338/https://nltimes.nl/2017/04/10/wilders-plans-sequels-anti-islam-film-fitna |archive-date=2020-07-17 |url-status=live |date=2017-04-10 }}</ref> | |||
== See also == | |||
], the cartoonist of one of the ], has expressed concerns because his cartoon is used in the film without his permission. He believes this is a copyright infringement, and has asked the association of Danish journalists to take legal steps<ref>http://jp.dk/indland/article1304784.ece</ref> Kurt Westergaard says his cartoon was aimed against ], not against Islam as a religion.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSL2618773120080326?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=true|title=Danish Prophet cartoonist says has no regrets|date=2008-03-26|accessdate=2008-03-27|first=Kim|last=McLaughlin|work=]}}</ref> | |||
*] | |||
*] | |||
*] | |||
*'']'' – 2004 Dutch short film critical of Islam | |||
==References== | == References == | ||
{{ |
{{Reflist|2}} | ||
==External links== | == External links == | ||
* at ] | |||
* (currently suspended) | |||
*{{ |
* {{IMDb title|1198399}} | ||
* on ] | |||
* Original and versions of ''Fitna'' at ] | |||
* ] at ] | |||
* on ''Fitna'' | |||
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Latest revision as of 10:28, 26 November 2024
2008 Dutch filmFitna | |
---|---|
Title card for Fitna | |
Written by | Geert Wilders |
Music by | Edvard Grieg Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky |
Distributed by | LiveLeak |
Release date |
|
Running time | 17 minutes |
Country | Netherlands |
Languages | Dutch English Arabic Persian Turkish |
Fitna (Arabic: فِتْنَة) is a 2008 short film by Dutch politician Geert Wilders. Approximately 17 minutes in length, the film attempts to demonstrate that the Qur'an motivates its followers to hate all who violate Islamic teachings. The film shows selected excerpts from Surahs of the Qur'an, interspersed with media clips and newspaper cuttings showing or describing acts of violence by Muslims worldwide.
The film argues that Islam encourages – among other things – acts of terrorism, antisemitism, violence against women, violence against LGBT people and against infidels – as well as subjugation of all infidels: Islamic universalism. A large part of the film details the influence of Islam on the Netherlands. The film was published on the Internet in 2008. Shortly before its release, its announcement was suspended from its website by the American provider because of the perceived controversy. It stirred a still continuing debate in the Netherlands as well as abroad.
The Arabic title-word "fitna" means "disagreement and division among people" or "a test of faith in times of trial".
Production
The Friends of the Party for Freedom (PVV) foundation commissioned the film. It contracted a production company credited in the film as "Scarlet Pimpernel Productions", a pseudonym adopted out of fear of reprisal. In fact large parts of the documentary Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West written by Wayne Kopping and Raphael Shore were copied. Both films have been described as part of the counter-jihad movement.
Release
The exact nature of Fitna's release was uncertain up until its official launch. This was due to concerns of the legality of its content and anticipated acts of terrorism. The Dutch press centre Nieuwspoort offered to release the film, on the condition that Wilders would pay for the increased security required during the press conference and the weeks after it. Wilders declined to do so, citing prohibitive costs.
Having failed to successfully negotiate a transmission of the film with any Dutch television station, Wilders created a website, www.fitnathemovie.com, on 5 March 2008 with the intention of releasing the film. However, this was subsequently suspended (see below).
On 22 March, the Dutch Muslim Broadcasting Association (NMO) offered to air the film, on the proviso that it could be previewed for any possible illegal material and that Wilders would take part in a debate with proponents and opponents afterwards. Wilders declined, quoted as saying "No way, NMO."
Wilders released the film on 27 March 2008 on the video website LiveLeak. The following day, LiveLeak removed the film from their servers after receiving threats that they described as being "of a very serious nature". The film soon appeared on various BitTorrent and video sharing websites.
LiveLeak reinstated Fitna on 30 March, after security upgrades offering increased protection to its staff had been implemented. Soon after, Wilders withdrew the film to make some minor edits, such as removing the copyrighted Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons. Kurt Westergaard, the cartoonist, was pleased with the news and believed the lawsuit would be dropped. In September 2008, Wilders agreed to pay Westergaard 7500 euros for using his Jyllands-Posten cartoon without permission.
A revised edition, containing a new cartoon in place of the contentious one, and a corrected picture of Bouyeri, was released on LiveLeak on 6 April.
Distribution
On 14 December 2008, a conference entitled "Facing Jihad" was organized at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center in Jerusalem. Geert Wilders, Aryeh Eldad, Robert Spencer, Itamar Marcus, Daniel Pipes, Shlomo Sharan, and John David Lewis were in attendance. During the conference, Fitna was put on view and distributed to all conference attendees; it was announced that it would be shown in several European parliaments. The Ruder Finn PR company organized the conference and set up the group's website, and are also actively distributing the film. Finn distributed the film for free.
Plot
The film shows a selection of Suras from the Qur'an, interspersed with newspaper clippings and media clips with The Arabian Dance and Åses død as an underscore.
Themes
Wilders described the film as a push for a leidcultuur, a culture that "draws on Christian, Jewish, humanistic traditions and that poses a challenge to the Islamic problem".
The Qur'an and terrorism
Suras are juxtaposed to video clips of imams stating Islamic teaching, and videos of violent atrocities committed in the name of Islam, including major terrorist attacks.
The first Sura of the film, Al-Anfal verse 60, is translated as:
Prepare for them whatever force and cavalry ye are able of gathering, to strike terror, to strike terror into the hearts of the enemies, of Allah and your enemies.
Footage of the September 11 attacks is shown, followed by the Madrid train bombings. Imam Abu Hamza al-Masri rises above the smoke and declares "Allah is happy when non-muslims get killed." Stills taken from the 7 July 2005 London bombings show an exploded bus and the underground train.
The next Sura, An-Nisa verse 56, is shown as a justification for Islamic antisemitism. Sheikh Bakr Al-Samarai is shown raising a sword while declaring: "If Allah permits us, O nation of Mohammed, even the stone will say O Muslim. A Jew is hiding behind me, come and cut off his head. And we shall cut off his head! By Allah, we shall cut it off! O Jews! Allahu Akbar! Jihad for the sake of Allah!" An auditorium of several hundred people respond with approving chants and fist shaking.
Following this, a three-year-old Muslim girl, says that Jews are "apes and pigs" in an interview on Iqraa TV.
Sura 47, verse 4 is shown in relation to the murder of Dutch film director Theo Van Gogh, committed by Mohammed Bouyeri. Bouyeri is reported as saying: "If I had the opportunity to get out of prison, and I had the opportunity to do it again, what I did on November 2nd, Allah I would have done exactly the same". Protesters are shown supporting Van Gogh's murder, warning others to heed the lesson or "pay with your blood".
Dutch newspaper headlines are reproduced, outlining intimidating threats of murder to prominent critics of Islam, followed by footage of Eugene Armstrong's beheading. Armstrong's disembodied head is shown held up by Al-Qaeda terrorists.
The Qur'an as a means for Islamic universalism
The final Sura used in the film is Quran 8:39:
Fight them until there is no dissension, and the religion is entirely Allah's.
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran is quoted as saying:
The message of the Revolution is global, and is not restricted to a specific place or time. Have no doubt... Allah willing, Islam will conquer what? It will conquer all the mountain tops of the world.
Ibrahim Mudeiris is seen speaking to a congregation. He says: "We have ruled the world before, and by Allah, the day will come when we will rule the entire world again! The day will come when we will rule America. The day will come when we rule Britain and the entire world!" Abdul Rahman Saleem speaks in English: "You will take over the USA! You will take over the UK! You will take over Europe! You will defeat them all! You will get victory! You will take over Egypt! We trust in Allah!" Demonstrators outside the Danish embassy to Britain are shown holding signs that read: "Islam will dominate the world" and "Freedom go to hell".
Islam and the Netherlands
The final segment of the film deals with issues related to Islam in the Netherlands, under the heading: "The Netherlands under the spell of Islam". These issues include opposition to democracy, Islamic views on homosexuality and women's treatment in Islam.
An unidentified person claims that "The mosque will be part of the system of the government of Holland", in an apparent refusal to accept liberal democracy. Wilders juxtaposes a newspaper headline "Cabinet: no ban on burqa" against a Muslim woman fully covered up. A graph illustrating the number of Muslims in the Netherlands since 1909 is shown against a background of Muslim women. Dutch police are shown removing their shoes before entering a mosque. A Dutch Muslim expresses his desire to enact an honour killing, if his mother or sister commits zina, the Islamic concept of extramarital sex. Another condemns homosexuality, saying "Islam considers something like that a crime".
A postcard is shown, ostensibly from the Netherlands, with pictures of mosques in place of visitor attractions, with the words "Groeten uit Nederland" ("Greetings from the Netherlands") superimposed.
Audio recordings that are said to have been taken from mosques in the Netherlands show Imams denouncing political parties, "worldly concepts like liberalism democracy". Another states that female adulterers must be "stoned" to death, even when the man commits the adultery. A graphic image of gays being hanged, under Sharia law is a depiction of a possible future dystopian Netherlands. A series of clips show female genital cutting, a woman's disembodied head lying on a floor, and a burqa-clad woman being shot through the head by a man.
Finally, a succession of newspaper headlines are shown, containing stories related to Islam in the Netherlands, their views, actions, ambitions and politics. Some verified headlines are:
- "Sudanese demand execution of British 'miss teddy bear'" (see Sudanese teddy bear blasphemy case)
- "Almost half of young Moroccans anti-Western"
- "Throw gays from tall buildings"
- "Al-Qaeda proclaims death penalty Jihad against Wilders"
The film ends with a hand seen gripping a page of the Qur'an and a call to action from Wilders to defeat "Islamic ideology", likening it to Communism and Nazism.
Quranic chapters
The following Suras are mentioned in Fitna in order of appearance. The translation is from Pickthall's The Meaning of the Glorious Koran. Only the passages marked as bold are included in the quotations in the film, while the related passages are omitted.
Al-Anfal (The Spoils of War) Q8:60–61
Make ready for them all thou canst of (armed) force and of horses tethered, that thereby ye may dismay the enemy of Allah and your enemy, and others beside them whom ye know not. Allah knoweth them. Whatsoever ye spend in the way of Allah it will be repaid to you in full, and ye will not be wronged. And if they incline to peace, incline thou also to it, and trust in Allah. Lo! He, even He, is the Hearer, the Knower.
Lo! Those who disbelieve Our revelations, We shall expose them to the Fire. As often as their skins are consumed We shall exchange them for fresh skins that they may taste the torment. Lo! Allah is ever Mighty, Wise. And as for those who believe and do good works, We shall make them enter Gardens underneath which rivers flow – to dwell therein for ever; there for them are pure companions—and We shall make them enter plenteous shade.
Now when ye meet in battle those who disbelieve, then it is smiting of the necks until, when ye have routed them, then making fast of bonds; and afterward either grace or ransom till the war lay down its burdens. That (is the ordinance). And if Allah willed He could have punished them (without you) but (thus it is ordained) that He may try some of you by means of others. And those who are slain in the way of Allah, He rendereth not their actions vain.
They long that ye should disbelieve even as they disbelieve, that ye may be upon a level (with them). So choose not friends from them till they forsake their homes in the way of Allah; if they turn back (to enmity) then take them and kill them wherever ye find them, and choose no friend nor helper from among them, Except those who seek refuge with a people between whom and you there is a covenant, or (those who) come unto you because their hearts forbid them to make war on you or make war on their own folk. Had Allah willed He could have given them power over you so that assuredly they would have fought you. So, if they hold aloof from you and wage not war against you and offer you peace, Allah alloweth you no way against them.
Al-Anfal (The Spoils of War) Q8:38–39
Tell those who disbelieve that if they cease (from persecution of believers) that which is past will be forgiven them; but if they return (thereto) then the example of the men of old hath already gone (before them, for a warning). And fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is all for Allah. But if they cease, then lo! Allah is Seer of what they do
Differences between first and second release
The first edition used copyrighted Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons without permission. These were removed from the second edition.
Also in the first edition of the film, and removed from the second edition, when referring to the murder of Theo van Gogh a picture of the Dutch rapper Salah Edin is displayed instead of the murderer Mohammed Bouyeri. The picture was shot for the rapper's album 'Nederlands Grootste Nachtmerrie' (Netherlands' Worst Nightmare), which according to the singer's website, was shot to be 'exactly like the mugshot of convicted killer Mohamed B'. A 2007 article by Dutch tabloid newspaper DAG had illustrated an article about the killer with the photograph. On that occasion, Salah Edin's received an out-of-court libel settlement for the publication. The photo was said by the rapper to be intended to depict "the way the average white Dutch citizen sees me, as a young Moroccan Muslim radical. That's why I chose to do this picture and use it for the front cover of my album. It is in no way supporting the deeds of Mohamed B."
Reaction
Main article: International reaction to FitnaInternational reaction to Fitna consisted of condemnation in the Muslim community, fatwās by Al-Qaeda and an Australian imam calling for the beheading of Geert Wilders, and attempts by Southeast Asian countries to censor the film. The Dutch government allegedly "distanced itself from the film".
Indonesia, the most populous Muslim country and itself a Dutch colony until 1949, has conducted a ban on several web sites, such as YouTube, MySpace, RapidShare and Metacafe, as directed by the Ministry of Communications and Informations. On April 11, the Indonesian government lifted the ban. Indonesian communications minister Muhammad Nuh apologised to the public for the inconvenience.
Geert Wilders' film failed to generate much "controversy" in Iran although the government did express its outrage on the day of its release and conservative websites complained about it for a while. By and large, Fitna elicited indifference among the general public. There was an anti-Fitna demonstration, but just 30 people turned up and they were carrying signs that had "nothing to do with the film".
In response to the film, Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagen published an op-ed in the Arabic-language newspaper Asharq al Awsat on March 30. In the article, he asks of the readers to "keep the head cool and the relations warm" and urged dialogue, not provocation, as a means to bridge the cultural differences.
On 1 April, a debate was held about the film in the Dutch parliament. In this debate, the government and Geert Wilders accused each other of lying about facts of their previous communication. According to various members of the government, Wilders had told in previous conversations about his intentions to tear parts out of the Qur'an and setting them on fire. Wilders denied this.
Legal actions
Main article: First trial of Geert WildersOne of the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons was included in the film without the permission of the artist, Kurt Westergaard. Westergaard has asserted that this infringes his copyright and is considering taking legal action against Wilders. The Danish Union of Journalists has said it will file a lawsuit on Westergaard's behalf. Similarly Dutch director Rob Muntz announced to file a lawsuit because of the uncredited use of his interview with Theo van Gogh.
In 2010 and 2011 Wilders was accused of criminally insulting religious and ethnic groups and inciting hatred and discrimination. However, he was found not guilty in June 2011.
On 12 February 2009, Wilders was denied entry to the United Kingdom after being invited by the Lord Pearson of the United Kingdom Independence Party to show his film in the House of Lords. He declared this "a sad day for the United Kingdom" and accused the government of cowardice. Wilders appealed the ban, and on 13 October 2009, it was overturned by the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal. The UK Home Office then stated its intention not to appeal the tribunal decision, and Wilders' planned visit to the UK went ahead, with his arriving in the country on 16 October 2009. Wilders described the decision to overturn the ban as a "victory for freedom of speech".
Films made in response
On 28 March, a film was released by the Arab European League, named Al Mouftinoun. A Saudi blogger made a contra-film in April called Schism. It was also released on LiveLeak.
Sequel
Wilders has stated that he plans to release a sequel to Fitna. In March 2010, Wilders announced that he plans to release a second movie about the spread of Islam, but not until after Dutch elections in June. He said the sequel to his 2008 film would focus on the consequences of mass migration from Muslim countries, freedom of expression, and Sharia or Muslim law. He indicated that he received help from professionals in the US to make his film. In 2017, Wilders announced on Twitter that he was making a sequel.
See also
- Arnoud van Doorn
- Criticism of Islam
- Freedom of speech
- Submission – 2004 Dutch short film critical of Islam
References
- homo-, bi- and transsexuals, transgenders, crossdressers, non-binary people, etc.
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External links
- Fitna at Vimeo
- Fitna at IMDb
- Fitna on Dailymotion
- Fitna at Internet Archive
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- 2008 films
- Geert Wilders
- 2008 documentary films
- 2008 controversies
- Documentary films critical of Islam
- Dutch documentary films
- Films about terrorism
- Documentary films about jihadism
- Islam in the Netherlands
- Islam-related controversies in Europe
- Anti-Islam works
- Compilation films
- 2008 in Islam
- Counter-jihad
- Cultural depictions of Muhammad