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Network Solutions shutters anti-Islam film site

http://www.news.com

March 23, 2008 6:51 PM PDT
Posted by Steven Musil

Network Solutions has suspended a Web site that a Dutch lawmaker was using to promote a yet-to-be-released film critical of Islam.

The Web hosting service said it is investigating whether content on the site--Fitnathemovie.com--is in violation of the hosting service’s acceptable use policy.

The 15-minute movie, called Fitna--an Arabic word that means “test of faith in times of trial”--describes Islam as “the enemy of freedom,” according to comments made by Geert Wilders, a Dutch lawmaker and the film’s maker. Dutch officials fear the movie could spark violence, as happened after Danish newspapers published cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. The movie is set for release at month’s end.

Wilders had been using the site to promote the movie, but the site was pulled after the Web-hosting company said it received a “number of complaints” regarding the site.

“In this situation with the dialogue that’s happening throughout the world ,we’ve made the choice to suspend the site as of last night,” Susan Wade, spokeswoman for Network Solutions, told the Associated Press on Sunday. “This site is suspended so people can’t see the content right now. But the customer still has access to their site. They can make whatever changes are necessary as we complete our investigation.”

Wilders plans to show his film despite the setback, Dutch news agency ANP reported.

“If need be, I will personally distribute DVDs in the Dam,” ANP quoted him as saying. The Dam is the central square in Amsterdam.