I wouldn’t expect the Economist to agree with what Dutch anti-immigrant politician Geert Wilders says; but I think I’d expect it to defend to the death his right to say it.
Alas, no.

Wilders, the leader of the Freedom Party (which gained 15% of the votes at the last election), is currently on trial for incitement to hatred and discrimination against Muslims.

The charges are based on remarks he made comparing the Koran to Mein Kampf, and alleging that Islam wants to destroy Western civilisation.

Whacky? Yes. Offensive? To some, certainly. Grounds for arrest? No. Definitely not.

But, to my surprise, the Economist (of all publications…) isn’t so sure,

Read this from the Charlemagne column in this week’s edition:

Maybe the state should not be in the business of prosecuting politicians for their offensive views.

Maybe???