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{{ dablink|This is an article about the film '''Fitna'''. For other uses, see ] }}
{{pp-semi-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{ambox
| type = serious
| 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.
}}
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'''{{Infobox Film
|name = Fitna
|image = Fitna surah 4 verse 56.png
|image_size= 232
|caption = ]: &ldquo;Those who have disbelieved our signs, we shall roast them in Hell&rdquo;<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 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>

==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.

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".

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>

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>

==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 ]).

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.

The first Sura is introduced, accompanied with Qur'anic recital and translated subtitles (the film is available in English and Dutch, among other languages).

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.

], 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."

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.

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.

Still pictures of demonstrators holding banners declaring "God Bless Hitler" and "Be Prepared For the Real Holocaust" are shown.

], 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".

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.

] 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."

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."

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:

*"Islam is a religion that wants to rule the world. It has done so before and eventually will rule it again."

President ], of Iran, states:
*"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."

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!"

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.

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 />
}}

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".

===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>

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>

===Suras===

Parts of the following ] are mentioned in Fitna, in order of appearance:

{| class="wikitable"
! Sura !! Title !! Verse
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 8 || ] (''The Spoils of War'') || style="text-align:center;" | 60
|-
| 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
|}



===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".

==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>

===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>

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>

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>

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>

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>

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>

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}}

===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>

] 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>

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>

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>

] has threatened to review its diplomatic stance with The Netherlands, should the film be aired.<ref name="foxiranwarn" />

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&sectionid=351020403|title=Afghans protest Danish cartoons|date=2008-03-22|accessdate=2008-03-24|work=]}}</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>

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>

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>

====Pakistan YouTube ban====
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>
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>

====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 &ldquo;is investigating whether the site's content is in violation of the Network Solutions ].&rdquo; and that &ldquo;Network Solutions has received a number of complaints regarding this site that are under investigation.&rdquo;<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>

==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 &ldquo;not as jarring as anticipated&rdquo;, saying they were &ldquo;extremely relieved&rdquo;. 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>

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>
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>

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>

], 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>

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
* (currently suspended)
*{{imdb title|id=1198399|title=Fitna}}
* Original and versions of ''Fitna'' at ]
* on ''Fitna''

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Revision as of 11:36, 28 March 2008