Unveil or don't take off: Saudi women barred from France
Rate Article:
France has refused entry to three women from Saudi Arabia who declined to take off their face veils (niqab) for immigration officials, forcing them to get a return flight, an airport source said Tuesday.
The women arrived at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris on a Qatar Airways flight from Doha at 2:30 pm (1230 GMT) Monday but were denied entry into France after refusing to lift their niqabs to show their faces to police carrying out border controls.
“They were issued a fine, according to the law” and returned to Doha that evening, the source said.
Violations are punishable by a fine of up to 150 euros ($190) or citizenship training.
The government of former president Nicolas Sarkozy introduced the ban, as the first country in Europe, citing efforts to make France a more tolerant and inclusive society.
About 300 women were caught breaking the law in the first year it was in force, according to the interior ministry.
Supporters of the ban say the niqab contradicts France’s principles of secularism and women’s rights. Opponents however say it stigmatizes moderate Muslims and interferes with personal freedom.
French authorities say the ban aims to stop criminals from being able to disguise their appearance from security staff and surveillance cameras.
What do you think about the burqa ban in France? Tell us below.
© 2012 MBC Group. All Rights Reserved.Rate Article:
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Top Headlines
MOST DISCUSSED
MOST POPULAR
France if they want can maintain their law. If you want to go there, then follow their rules.
When they want to come to your countries then you should impose your laws which they know you will not impose and they can apply sanctions on you any way after all.
Why do you want to go somewhere that is hostile to you??? You should be ashamed for investing in these countries and even welcoming them into your countries.
Their living is miserable, people unfriendly, they literally hate your religion, why, why, why go there?
it is important that everyone must show their face for security reasons and as it is the law of that country then that law must be respected.
niqab is very important what france did it was wrong . plz allow the womens to wear burqa thank u