The only solution for the threats made against parliamentary hopeful Sylvana Simons is for her to be ‘protected against herself and her party Denk to be disbanded,’ PVV leader Geert Wilders said on Twitter.

Wilders is currently on trial for inciting racial hatred and claims the legal process against him is aimed at stopping him airing his views.

His reaction followed the news that Simons is to be given security after ‘concrete threats’ were made against her. A 36-year-old man has also been arrested after making a racist and violent video directed at the television presenter.

Simons has been in the firing line since going public with her criticism of Zwarte Piet and for linking up with splinter party Denk. Anti-Islam campaigner Wilders has been under special protection for over 10 years because of threats made against him.

GroenLinks leader Jesse Klaver said of Wilders: ‘He claims that he is being silenced but tells a threatened colleague to quit. It is unbelievable.’

Simons told television talk show Pauw on Tuesday night that the threats against her have had a major impact on herself and her family.