Controversial Dutch filmmaker and newspaper columnist Theo van Gogh was shot dead in Amsterdam early this morning.
Van Gogh recently received death threats after his film about Islamic culture was shown on Dutch national television.
The short feature film, 'Submission', angered some Muslims for its portrayal of a Muslim woman who is abused by her husband.
Van Gogh made 'Submission' with liberal Dutch politician Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a Somali refugee who fled an arranged marriage 12 years ago.
She also received death threats after the film was aired and has been under police protection since.
Van Gogh's production company told the Dutch news agency ANP that he had been shot dead.
Police confirmed a fatal shooting occurred outside a city government office, but did not give the victim's name.
