[20/07/11 09:30] Islamophobia and anti-Muslim prejudices continue to undermine tolerance in Europe. One symptom is the debate about banning the burqa and niqab in public places. In Belgium a law will enter into force on Saturday 23 July, which besides a fine provides for up to seven days of imprisonment for women wearing such a dress, says Thomas Hammarberg, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights in his latest Human Rights Comment published today. France became in April this year the first country in Europe to prohibit full face veils, exposing anyone who wears the niqab or burqa in public to fines of 150 Euros and/or "citizenship training". Some 30 women have been fined or prosecuted since the entry into force of the law. (more)
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