“Islam is the greatest danger to our countries, to our freedom of speech, to our democracy, and to our safety. It’s not Russia, it’s not Israel-Palestine, it’s not Ukraine. It’s Islam.” – Edwin Wagensveld
In a candid and powerful discussion with RAIR Foundation USA, Edwin Wagensveld, leader of the Dutch branch of Pegida (Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation of the West), opened up about the assassination of Salwan Momika, his own struggles as a vocal critic of Islam, and the grave consequences of Europe’s capitulation to Islamic ideologies.
Living Under Constant Threat
Edwin Wagensveld, like so many outspoken critics of Islam, faces a daily reality marked by threats, state persecution, and societal backlash. Wagensveld has been arrested more than 20 times for his lawful protests, including wearing a pig-shaped hat during a rally. These seemingly trivial actions have triggered legal action, highlighting the lengths to which authorities will go to suppress dissent.
Following the assassination of Salwan Momika, Wagensveld’s life has grown even more precarious. Reflecting on the murder, he stated, “Every criticism of Islam is met with either violence from jihadis or punishment from the state. Our governments fear the backlash of Muslim violence more than they value freedom of speech.”
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A Culture of Fear and Suppression
The assassination of Salwan Momika has intensified concerns about the suppression of free speech in Europe. Momika, who gained global attention for his Quran-burning protests, was gunned down at a secret address. Authorities suspect that his live TikTok broadcasts may have inadvertently revealed his location to his killer. Despite the known threats to his life, Momika was left without adequate protection.
“The state’s failure to protect Momika—and others like him—is a clear signal,” Wagensveld said. “Governments are willing to sacrifice their own citizens to avoid offending Islamic sensitivities.”
Wagensveld himself has experienced this betrayal firsthand. While continuing to stage Quran burnings and other demonstrations to expose the incompatibility of Islam with Western values, he has faced both state-imposed restrictions and violent threats. Following Momika’s assassination, German police contacted Wagensveld, expressing concern for his safety. While he appreciated their vigilance, he highlighted the ongoing contradiction: governments suppress free speech while failing to act against Islamic violence.
Islam: The Greatest Threat to Freedom
“Islam is the greatest danger to our democracies, our safety, and our freedoms,” Wagensveld asserted. “It’s not Russia or Ukraine; it’s Islam that is tearing apart our societies.”
He draws parallels between Islam and Nazism, rejecting the notion of “moderate Muslims.” He explains, “Just as there were no ‘good Nazis,’ there are no moderate forms of an inherently totalitarian ideology like Islam. Its end goal is domination through submission, violence, and terror.”
Wagensveld also pointed out the glaring absence of peaceful protests from Muslim communities in response to acts of terrorism or high-profile murders like Momika’s. “Where are the demonstrations from Muslims denouncing this violence? Instead, we see them laughing and celebrating on social media. For many Muslims, criticizing Islam means you deserve to die.”
A System Rigged Against Free Speech
Wagensveld’s activism has frequently been met with disproportionate responses from authorities. Recently, he was banned from entering the city of Arnhem after attempting to stage a Quran-burning demonstration. The ban was enforced under the guise of “public safety,” yet it highlights the growing trend of governments prioritizing the appeasement of Islamic demands over upholding democratic principles.
“They’ve weaponized laws against us,” Wagensveld lamented. “You can criticize Islam, but only if you’re prepared to face punishment—whether it’s from jihadis or the state itself.”
A Warning to America
Wagensveld’s message to Americans is clear and urgent: “Learn from Europe’s mistakes. Do not allow excessive tolerance to pave the way for Islam’s spread under the guise of religious freedom.” He warns against the construction of mosques and Islamic schools in the U.S., emphasizing that they serve as hubs for a supremacist ideology rather than places of worship or education.
He also expressed admiration for former President Donald Trump, stating, “Trump was right about the dangers of Islamic immigration. America must safeguard its freedoms and not repeat Europe’s failures.”
The Fight for Freedom Continues
Despite the mounting challenges, Wagensveld remains defiant. He has planned a series of Quran-burning protests across the Netherlands to coincide with the NATO summit in June 2025. These demonstrations aim to challenge the state’s priorities and draw attention to the erosion of free speech in Europe.
“We need consequences not just for our freedom of speech but for their ideology,” Wagensveld emphasized. “If they refuse to live by our laws, they should not live here at all.”
He also revealed plans for continued collaboration with Scandinavian activists and other European groups, even as governments attempt to suppress these efforts.
“Action is imperative,” Wagensveld said. “We must fight for our culture, our identity, and our traditions. If we don’t, it’s game over.”
The Road Ahead
As Europe grapples with the consequences of mass Islamic migration and the suppression of dissent, voices like Edwin Wagensveld’s serve as a powerful reminder of the stakes involved. The question remains: will the West heed these warnings, or will it continue down the path of appeasement, sacrificing its freedoms along the way?
News Link: https://rairfoundation.com/islams-war-west-pegida-leader-edwin-wagensveld-breaks/
