'I Will Never Be Silent': Geert Wilders Reflects on 20 Years of Captivity Due to His Criticism of Islam

Geert Wilders, leader of the Dutch Party for Freedom (PVV), marked the 20th anniversary of the murder of filmmaker Theo van Gogh by reflecting on the personal cost of his criticism of Islam. For Wilders, van Gogh’s murder was a tragic moment that forever changed the course of his own life. In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Wilders described how, since 2004, his life has been defined by intense security measures and the constant threat of violence—he has been “marked for death” all because of his outspoken views on Islam.

“Today, 20 years ago, Theo van Gogh was murdered for criticizing Islam. Today, 20 years ago, I lost my freedom because of criticism of Islam,” he writes. Wilders goes on to recount how, for two decades, he and his wife have lived under constant protection, moving from one secure location to another, including a barracks, a prison, a police station, and now a safe house. “After 20 years of unfreedom, I no longer remember what it is like to be free, to live freely, to be able to move freely, to live, to drive, to do the shopping, or to get the mail from my own mailbox. I am trapped in unfreedom.”

Vandaag 20 jaar geleden werd Theo van Gogh vermoord vanwege islamkritiek.

Vandaag 20 jaar geleden raakte ik mijn vrijheid kwijt vanwege islamkritiek.

Ik woonde met mijn vrouw in een kazerne, gevangenis, politiebureau en nu in een safehouse.

Ik herinner me na 20 jaar…

— Geert Wilders (@geertwilderspvv) November 2, 2024

Despite the severe restrictions on his life, Wilders remains resolute in his commitment to speaking out. “I know that after 20 long years of death threats, fatwas, and security, I will never be silent. My criticism of Islam stands proud, and I will always continue to express it.” Wilders believes Islam poses an existential threat to Western freedoms, declaring it “the greatest danger to any free society.” He firmly states, “No one, absolutely no one, will take away the only freedom I have left—the freedom of speech—whatever the consequences.”

In his message, Wilders also expresses his deep gratitude to the security teams of the Royal and Diplomatic Security Service (DKDB) and the Special Security Assignments Brigade (BSB), acknowledging the personal risk they take daily to protect him. “You are my heroes!” he writes, underscoring the dedication and bravery of these men and women. He also thanks his loyal supporters and voters who have stood by him, saying, “For you, I continue every day.”

For Wilders, this anniversary of van Gogh’s murder is not only a personal reflection but also a call to action—a reminder of the ongoing struggle to defend freedom of expression. His words are a testament to his unwavering commitment to this cause, regardless of the risks, and a powerful statement against those who would seek to silence criticism through intimidation and violence. In Wilders’ view, the defense of free speech is paramount to preserving the values of a free society, and he is determined to protect this right, no matter the cost.