Thahir Asmal, Radio Islam News – 01-06-2018

Denmark has become the latest European country to ban the niqaab in public spaces.

The legislation, which takes effect on August 1, was passed by government and backed by the Social Democrats and Danish People’s Party.

Wearing the full-face veil that only exposes the eyes in public will now lead to a fine of 1,000 kroner (R2000).

Repeated violations will be fined up to 10,000 kroner (R20000).

The move has been slammed by human rights organisation Amnesty International, Europe director, Gauri van Gulik as “a violation of women’s rights.”

“Whilst some specific restrictions on the wearing of full-face veils for the purposes of public safety may be legitimate, this blanket ban is neither necessary nor proportionate and violates the rights to freedom of expression and religion.”