Right-wing Flemish MP Jurgen Verstrepen is in the news again following the decision of the Flemish Media Commission to impose a fine of €12,000 for his podcasts of the programme ZwartofWit (Black or White). The programme, which reflects the views of the political party Vlaams Belang, was earlier this year broadcast on shortwave. Transmission providers in Germany and the UK refused to carry the programme, but it was broadcast for a few months via a facility in Russia until it, too, was suddenly terminated without warning. The programme then continued as a weekly podcast.
Although other political parties in Flanders regard Vlaams Belang as racist, there is concern about the reasons for imposing the fine, which officially is due to non-compliance with Flemish media regulations. It has opened a debate about free speech on the Internet in Flanders. Mr Verstrepen says he is not going to stop the podcasts.
