Netherlands:

Film director’s Murder sparks racist backlash

A SPATE of anti-Muslim and racist attacks across the Netherlands has
shocked Dutch workers and youth. The attacks follow the killing, on 2
November, of the controversial film director and journalist, Theo van
Gogh, allegedly by an Islamic fundamentalist.

Niall Mulholland

The director was well known for his derogatory and provocative
statements against Muslims and other minorities.

Offensief (CWI in Netherlands) condemned the killing of Theo van Gogh
and also the attacks on Muslims. Muslims and minorities will suffer the
most as a result of the killing of Theo van Gogh, as they come under
police harassment and face racist attacks.

An Islamic school in the southern city of Eindhoven was bombed on 7
November. Mosques in several Dutch cities have been the targets of
vandalism and arson attempts. Attacks against Muslims took place in
Amsterdam, Breda and Huizen.

The right wing Dutch coalition government has "vowed to take
tough action against Muslim militants". It aims to cynically use
the death of Theo van Gogh and anti-Muslim feelings to cut across the
recent huge anti-austerity cuts movement.

Offensief calls for the workers’ movement to lead a campaign against
racist attacks, against cuts, and for democratic rights.

Offensief member, and councillor for the broad left Socialist Party,
in the southern town of Breda, Johan Kwisthout, is calling for a
demonstration of workers’ solidarity after a mosque in the town was
attacked.

Socialists in schools and colleges in Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and
several other areas, are discussing organising similar protest action.