13 June 2006

BRUSSELS — The Flemish city of Maaseik has won a court battle allowing it to maintain its ban on the wearing of an Islamic burka. 

A magistrates court rejected an appeal on Monday lodged by Moroccan woman Khadija El Ouazzanik.

El Ouazzani was one of five women in Maaseik who wore a complete Islamic veil or burka on city streets.

She was fined EUR 75 in April 2005, but lodged an appeal with the Maaseik magistrates court.

And the ruling is important nationwide, given the fact it is the first time that a Belgian court has banned a burka or niqab (a face veil up to the eyes).

"A lot of colleagues in Belgium are considering a ban on burkas or face veils," Maaseik Mayor Jan Creemers said.

"They have waited for this ruling because they feel strengthened by a ban from a court."

[Copyright Expatica News 2006]

Subject: Belgian news