European nation imposes initial fine under 'burqa ban'
Earlier this year, Switzerland implemented a federal law that bans face coverings in public, following a 2021 referendum in support of the measure. According to local outlet Blick, Swiss authorities issued the first fine under this nationwide...
TroibNews 
Earlier this year, Switzerland implemented a federal law that bans face coverings in public, following a 2021 referendum in support of the measure.
According to local outlet Blick, Swiss authorities issued the first fine under this nationwide face-covering ban to a woman in Zurich who was seen wearing a burqa. Police spokesperson Michael Walker confirmed this incident, although he did not disclose the woman’s age or details about her outfit due to privacy laws. He did mention, however, that she was “not a tourist.” The woman refused to pay the fine of 100 Swiss francs, which has resulted in the case being forwarded to the cantonal governor's office for further processing.
Known as the “burqa ban,” this law prohibits face coverings in public spaces, encompassing Muslim garments like burqas and niqabs, as well as masks and balaclavas used by protesters or sports hooligans. The ban originated from a 2021 Swiss referendum that narrowly received 51.2% approval, primarily following a campaign by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party. Although initially framed as a way to combat “radical Islam,” the law also aims to enhance public safety by prohibiting masks at protests and sporting events. Offenders face an immediate fine of 100 francs, which could escalate to 1,000 francs if contested in court.
The ban allows for exceptions in situations such as medical needs, cold weather, carnival festivities, religious worship in specified areas, airline travel, and certain diplomatic or performance-related contexts.
Prior to the enactment of this federal law, more than half of the Swiss cantons had already instituted face-covering bans at demonstrations. However, the new national law overrides any existing cantonal regulations.
Critics claim that the law disproportionately targets Switzerland's Muslim community, which numbers around 400,000, with only a small minority wearing face veils. The Swiss government had initially deemed the measure excessive and expressed concerns about its potential negative impact on tourism. Muslim associations in Switzerland have also voiced their disapproval of the law.
Supporters argue that the ban addresses broader public security issues. In the previous year, Zurich police issued 98 fines to masked individuals participating in protests and sports riots, while authorities in Bern enforced similar bans targeting football hooligans.
Bans on the burqa—a full body covering with mesh at the eyes—and the niqab—a face veil leaving a slit for the eyes—first appeared in France in 2011. Since then, other countries, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, and Spain, have enacted full or partial bans on face coverings as well.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
According to local outlet Blick, Swiss authorities issued the first fine under this nationwide face-covering ban to a woman in Zurich who was seen wearing a burqa. Police spokesperson Michael Walker confirmed this incident, although he did not disclose the woman’s age or details about her outfit due to privacy laws. He did mention, however, that she was “not a tourist.” The woman refused to pay the fine of 100 Swiss francs, which has resulted in the case being forwarded to the cantonal governor's office for further processing.
Known as the “burqa ban,” this law prohibits face coverings in public spaces, encompassing Muslim garments like burqas and niqabs, as well as masks and balaclavas used by protesters or sports hooligans. The ban originated from a 2021 Swiss referendum that narrowly received 51.2% approval, primarily following a campaign by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party. Although initially framed as a way to combat “radical Islam,” the law also aims to enhance public safety by prohibiting masks at protests and sporting events. Offenders face an immediate fine of 100 francs, which could escalate to 1,000 francs if contested in court.
The ban allows for exceptions in situations such as medical needs, cold weather, carnival festivities, religious worship in specified areas, airline travel, and certain diplomatic or performance-related contexts.
Prior to the enactment of this federal law, more than half of the Swiss cantons had already instituted face-covering bans at demonstrations. However, the new national law overrides any existing cantonal regulations.
Critics claim that the law disproportionately targets Switzerland's Muslim community, which numbers around 400,000, with only a small minority wearing face veils. The Swiss government had initially deemed the measure excessive and expressed concerns about its potential negative impact on tourism. Muslim associations in Switzerland have also voiced their disapproval of the law.
Supporters argue that the ban addresses broader public security issues. In the previous year, Zurich police issued 98 fines to masked individuals participating in protests and sports riots, while authorities in Bern enforced similar bans targeting football hooligans.
Bans on the burqa—a full body covering with mesh at the eyes—and the niqab—a face veil leaving a slit for the eyes—first appeared in France in 2011. Since then, other countries, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, and Spain, have enacted full or partial bans on face coverings as well.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
