Anti-Muslim Dutch MP shouted down by protesters in Perth

Anti-Muslim Dutch politician Geert Wilders was almost drowned out by vocal protesters in Perth Wednesday as he helped launch a new Australian right-wing party.

Wilders struggled to make himself heard as he addressed media in a garden outside Western Australia's parliament house as protesters chanted "racists are not welcome here," the broadcaster ABC reported. The launch of the Australian Liberty Alliance on Tuesday night with Wilders as guest speaker had to be carried out at a secret location to avoid protesters.

"I believe that yesterday the launch of the new party gave Australians, millions of Australians, new hope," Wilders told reporters. "New hope that there is a party committed to fight for freedom, for freedom of speech ... and is committed to stop the Islamisation of Australia."

The new party said it will fight to stop Muslim immigration and multiculturalism in Australia and ban the burqa in public. The party was shunned by state political leaders, while hotels in Perth refused access to venues.    (dpa)

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