The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled unanimously on Tuesday that Belgium’s ban on the wearing of the full-face veil (niqab) did not violate rights standards. The court ruled that the ban sought to ensure the conditions of “living together” and the “protection of the rights and freedoms of others.” It also found the measure was “necessary in a democratic society.”Belgium implemented a ban on clothing totally or partially covering the face in June 2011. A Belgian national and a Moroccan national challenged the ban in 2013, arguing that among other things it was discriminatory and violated their rights to freedom of religion and expression. France in 2011 also banned the wearing of the niqab in public places. In making its decision, the ECHR relied on an earlier 2014 ruling that upheld the French ban.

Source: Egypt Independent July 12, 2017 11:15 UTC