Dutch cartoonist could face years in prison

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May 16, 2008

"We suspect him of insulting people": Dutch cartoonist could face years in prison

He could end up serving more time than some jihadists in European criminal justice systems do on terrorism charges.
More on the circumstances of Gregorius Nekschot's arrest, including the charges and possible penalties he faces. "Dutch cartoonist arrested," by Toby Sterling for the Associated Press, May 16 (thanks to GS):

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands - A Dutch political cartoonist is facing possible hate crimes charges.

The cartoonist, who works under the pseudonym Gregorius Nekschot, was arrested Tuesday and held overnight before being released.

Officials say a criminal investigation is continuing into whether Nekschot's work targets people because of their race or religion.

Nekschot is known primarily for cartoons mocking Muslims and leftists.

However, spokeswoman for his publisher describes him as a satirist who targets "any strong ideology."

[...]

A spokeswoman for the Amsterdam public prosecutor, Sanne van Meteren, said Nekschot remains a suspect in a criminal investigation.

"We suspect him of insulting people on the basis of their race or belief, and possibly also of inciting hate," she said.
Each is a crime punishable by up to a year in prison under Dutch hate laws - or two years for multiple offences.
Van Meteren said prosecutors were investigating a complaint that dates to 2005. They are now focusing on eight or nine published cartoons, she said, but prosecutors are not disclosing which ones.

Nekschot did not answer police questions during his arrest, she said, citing his right to remain silent to avoid self-incrimination.

The spokeswoman for Xtra said police had seized Nekschot's computer, sketches, CDs, DVDs and telephone at the time of his arrest.

CSI meets Orwell, in a story that has all of the trappings of a counter-terror operation -- except it's about cartoons.