| Kippreport.com

Share

Violators of Belgium’s burqa ban law face jail time

April 22, 2010 8:16 by Katherine Azmeh

Belgian lawmakers are expected Thursday to institute a ban on Islamic burqa, with a committee of the country’s federal parliament voting unanimously in favor of a nationwide ban on attire or veils that prevent the wearer from being fully identified, the Khaleej Times reported Thursday.

Fine for violating the ban is set at $20-$34, and includes the possibility of jail time, the newspaper reported, adding that the provision of “police permission to wear the garments,” would supersede the penalties.

“Bans like this lead to a lose-lose situation,” according to a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch. “They violate the rights of those who choose to wear the veil and do nothing to help those who are compelled to do so,” the newspaper reported, quoting the researcher.

Tags: Belgian lawmakers, Belgium, burqa, burqa-ban, Islamic, veils