When in Rome…

The Geert Wilders Traveling Show has gone on the road again, this time stopping in Rome.

Even though Mr. Wilders is a known provocateur and may well threaten community harmony, the Italian government — unlike the UK — let the dangerous Islamophobe into the country.

He arrived this morning, and Digital Journal has this report:

Dutch anti-jihadist parliamentarian Geert Wilders — who was denied access to the UK recently because of his views — was greeted cordially by Italian authorities when he landed in Rome today. Wilders’ spokesman said he’s in Rome to show his film Fitna.

He has also been invited to Rome in Italy to receive the Oriana Fallaci Free Speech Award during a conference about the Islam and Freedom of Speech.

And from Geert Wilders’ website (pdf):

Geert Wilders is in Rome today, where he will be granted the Oriana Fallaci Free Speech Award. He will be presented with the award during a conference on “Islam & Free speech” that is being hosted by the Associazione una via per Oriana. The Freedom Party leader will address the invitees and show his film Fitna. Wilders, who was barred from entering the country by British authorities last week, entered Italy without any trouble this morning.

The writer and journalist Fallaci, who passed away in 2006, was known, among other things, for her criticism of Islam. She considered Islamism to be a form of fascism. As is the case with Geert Wilders, Fallaci’s Islamic opponents and their leftist enablers actively sought to have her prosecuted for her criticism of Islam.

Gates of Vienna has field agents attending day’s events in Rome, and one of them just sent in this brief report:
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The event was well attended. The streets have been cordoned off by the carabinieri and the army to protect the conference and Wilders. Fitna was shown during the conference to invited guests, including Italian politicians.

There was a press conference this morning before the major events. For some reason Mr. Wilders decided he wanted to buy a pair of shoes, and was accompanied on his shopping trip by a gang of press.

That’s all the news so far. No word yet on the reaction of the “Muslim street”. If I hear anything more, I’ll let you know.