The European court of human rights (ECHR) upheld a ban on wearing the niqab in Belgium, operating in the country since 2011. It is reported by RTBF.
The verdict was handed down in connection with appeals of two women citizens of the Kingdom who profess Islam. The applicant considered that the restriction on wearing the niqab violates their right to privacy and freedom of religion.
According to the court decision, the Belgian law is in conformity with the norms of a democratic society and protects the rights and freedoms of others. The ECHR also confirmed the legitimacy of the use of fines and other measures of administrative and criminal prosecution against violators, says DH.be.
On 18 may, the Austrian Parliament banned the wearing of the burqa and niqab in the country. From October this year, the appearance in public with a fully covered face will face a fine of 150 euros.
Similar laws exist in several European countries. The wearing of the burqa in France is punishable by a fine of EUR 150. In Bulgaria and Switzerland, the ban on wearing the burqa was adopted at the legislative level in September 2016.
The niqab is a closed headpiece, which leaves only a narrow slit for the eyes. The burqa is outerwear, fitted with hair nets, completely hiding the face.