Dutch faithful denounce filmmaker's murder

(RNS) Worshippers in churches, mosques and synagogues in the Netherlands paused for thought and prayer Nov. 5-7 after the killing of Dutch filmmaker Theo van Gogh.

Van Gogh, the great great grandnephew of painter Vincent van Gogh, was shot and stabbed in what police have described as a "ritual killing" on Nov. 2. Police have arrested a 26-year-old Dutch-born man of Moroccan origin and said he would be prosecuted under Dutch anti-terrorism laws.

Van Gogh was a controversial figure who had angered many in the Muslim community for a film critical of Islam, especially its treatment of women. He portrayed an abused woman with scrip from the Quran painted on her skin.

Since the killing, 30 people have been arrested for inciting hatred against Muslims, The Times of London reported Nov. 8.