Hate speech boosts Geert

– Dutch judges hand down their verdict in the closely-watched hate speech trial of populist MP Geert Wilders tomorrow. Experts say a conviction will simply embolden the anti-Islam politician ahead of elections next year.

Prosecutors are seeking a €5 000 (R72 000) fine for the firebrand far-right politician, who faces charges of insulting a racial group and inciting racial hatred after comments he made about Moroccans living in the Netherlands.

The verdict comes three months before general elections, for which Wilders is currently topping the polls ahead of Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s Liberals.

Amid a string of populist victories in Europe and the November election of Donald Trump as the next US president, the outcome of the Dutch vote will be keenly watched.

The three-week trial of Wilders focused in particular on a statement made at a March 2014 local government election rally in The Hague.

Observers say rather than hurting the controversial lawmaker, his trial has boosted his popularity among Dutch voters, worried about the influx of immigrants and driven by eurosceptic sentiments.

Wilders is already eyeing the premiership – AFP