16 June 2011

Women face French court for wearing Muslim niqab

The two women were summned under France's new law forbidding the wearing of face covering in public places, which came into effect in April. Although not specifically stated in the law, critics say it targets Muslim women who wear the niqab or burka face coverings for religious reasons.

The public prosecutor said they would seek 150-euro fines and so-called "citizenship training" for each of the women.

But the women's lawyer said the law is inapplicable and pleaded for the fine to be dropped. The court will announce its decision in September. [RFI] Read more