Dutch Muslims worried after anti-Islam populist Wilders wins vote

Muslims in the Netherlands are worried about what's to come following the projected victory of far-right anti-Islam populist Geert Wilders' Freedom Party (PVV) in Wednesday's parliamentary elections.

"As a practising Muslim, I am worried," Muhsin Köktas, chairman of a Muslim interest group, said on Dutch television on Thursday. "I really didn't expect this result. Muslims are facing a difficult time."

Wilders' PVV has vowed to close mosques and ban the Koran, Köktas pointed out. If the far-right populist manages to form a coalition government and implement his anti-Islam programme, that would mean Muslims in the Netherlands would no longer be able to practise their religion freely, he said.

"We believe in democracy and the rule of law," said Köktas, adding that he respects the judgement of the Dutch voters. "But as a devout and practising Muslim, I am worried."

Wilder's PVV emerged as the strongest force in the parliamentary elections on Wednesday.