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European nation releases first ‘burqa ban’ fine
(MENAFN) Swiss authorities have issued the country’s first fine under the newly implemented nationwide face-covering ban, local outlet Blick reported on Sunday. The penalty was given to a woman in Zurich for wearing a burqa in public, according to police spokesperson Michael Walker.
The controversial law, often referred to as the "burqa ban," prohibits covering the face in public spaces. This includes Islamic garments such as burqas and niqabs, as well as masks and balaclavas worn by protesters or sports hooligans. Walker did not disclose the woman’s age or specific attire due to privacy laws but confirmed she was a Swiss resident rather than a tourist. The woman refused to pay the fine of 100 Swiss francs ($110), meaning the case will now be reviewed by the cantonal governor’s office.
The ban originated from a 2021 Swiss referendum in which 51.2% of voters supported the measure. Initially framed as a crackdown on “radical Islam,” the law also aims to enhance public safety by restricting face coverings at protests and sporting events. Offenders face an immediate fine of 100 francs, which can increase to 1,000 francs if challenged in court.
The legislation includes exemptions for health reasons, cold weather, carnival events, religious practices in designated areas, airline travel, and specific diplomatic or performance-related circumstances. Before the federal ban, more than half of Swiss cantons had already enforced similar restrictions at protests. The national law now overrides these local regulations.
Critics argue that the law unfairly targets Switzerland’s Muslim population of around 400,000, of whom only a small fraction wear face veils. The Swiss government initially opposed the measure, warning that it could negatively impact tourism. Muslim organizations within the country have also condemned the ban.
Supporters, however, argue that the law promotes public security. Last year, Zurich police issued 98 fines to masked protesters and sports rioters, while authorities in Bern also enforced restrictions against football hooligans.
Switzerland joins several other European nations in restricting face coverings. France was the first to implement a full burqa ban in 2011, followed by Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, and Spain.
The controversial law, often referred to as the "burqa ban," prohibits covering the face in public spaces. This includes Islamic garments such as burqas and niqabs, as well as masks and balaclavas worn by protesters or sports hooligans. Walker did not disclose the woman’s age or specific attire due to privacy laws but confirmed she was a Swiss resident rather than a tourist. The woman refused to pay the fine of 100 Swiss francs ($110), meaning the case will now be reviewed by the cantonal governor’s office.
The ban originated from a 2021 Swiss referendum in which 51.2% of voters supported the measure. Initially framed as a crackdown on “radical Islam,” the law also aims to enhance public safety by restricting face coverings at protests and sporting events. Offenders face an immediate fine of 100 francs, which can increase to 1,000 francs if challenged in court.
The legislation includes exemptions for health reasons, cold weather, carnival events, religious practices in designated areas, airline travel, and specific diplomatic or performance-related circumstances. Before the federal ban, more than half of Swiss cantons had already enforced similar restrictions at protests. The national law now overrides these local regulations.
Critics argue that the law unfairly targets Switzerland’s Muslim population of around 400,000, of whom only a small fraction wear face veils. The Swiss government initially opposed the measure, warning that it could negatively impact tourism. Muslim organizations within the country have also condemned the ban.
Supporters, however, argue that the law promotes public security. Last year, Zurich police issued 98 fines to masked protesters and sports rioters, while authorities in Bern also enforced restrictions against football hooligans.
Switzerland joins several other European nations in restricting face coverings. France was the first to implement a full burqa ban in 2011, followed by Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, and Spain.
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