Dutch far-right political leader Geert Wilders has been found guilty of hate speech charges - but walked free from court.

The anti-Islam politician has been convicted of discrimination and inciting hatred against Moroccans.

But presiding judge Hendrik Steenhuis said the court would not impose a sentence, arguing the conviction was penalty enough for a democratically elected politician.

Prosecutors had been seeking a fine of €5,000 (£4,200).

Prior to finding Mr Wilders guilty, Mr Steenhuis said: "Freedom of speech is one of the foundations of our democratic society."


But he added: "Freedom of speech can be limited, for example to protect the rights and freedoms of others, and that is what this case is about."

Image: Wilders arrives in court last month

Mr Wilders, who had branded his trial a politically motivated "charade" that threatened free speech, has said he plans to appeal.

He had denied the allegations claiming he was fulfilling his duty as a political leader by pointing out a problem in society.

He also claimed the judges had "restricted the freedom of speech" of millions and insisted neither he nor his supporters were racist.

The charges relate back to a 2014 incident in which Mr Wilders led supporters in a chant that they wanted "Fewer! Fewer! Fewer!" Moroccans in the Netherlands.

Mr Wilders was not in court for the verdict, which comes just over three months before national elections.

His Party for Freedom (PVV), which has risen in popularity during the trial, is currently narrowly ahead in a nationwide poll of polls.

In a tweet posted shortly after the verdict, Mr Wilders said: "Three PVV-hating judges declare Moroccans a race and convict me and half of the Netherlands. Insane."