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Dutch Authorities to Crack Down on Sale of Hitler’s Mein Kampf

September 2, 1982
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
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Dutch legal authorities will take steps if the Dutch translation of Hitler’s Mein Kampf, which was recently published in Belgium and is now on sale there, is offered for sale in Holland.

The Dutch authorities intend to base the ban on sale of the book and prosecution of anyone who violates the ban on an anti-discrimination law which makes all publications inciting to racial or religious discrimination a criminal offense. Violation of the law is punishable by a maximum six-month prison sentence and an optional fine. Mein Kampf is actually not prohibited reading matter in Holland. Second-hand copies can be purchased and the book can be inspected in all the larger public libraries but it cannot be borrowed.

The Association of Dutch Publishers has protested against the ban of the Dutch translation of the book as a violation of freedom of the press. An association spokesman claimed that the publication of the book does not represent a public danger. Some are arguing that the publication of the book can be on effective way to combat fascism.

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