Wilders to launch international anti-Islam group - Main contents

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Maverick Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders says he is launching an international "freedom alliance" to spread his anti-Islam message across the West.

He told The Associated Press in an interview Thursday he will launch the international movement late this year, initially in five countries: the United States, Canada, Britain, France and Germany. Wilders, who calls Islam a "fascist" religion and wants an end to immigration from Muslim nations to the West, has seen his support in the Netherlands soar in recent years.

His Freedom Party won the biggest gains in a national election last month, coming third with 24 seats, up from the nine his party held in the last parliament.

Wilders is due to stand trial in October on hate speech charges.

Source: Google.com