Bulgaria bans face-covering Islamic veils in public
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 30 September 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Bulgaria bans face-covering Islamic veils in public, 30 September 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5975a0414.html [accessed 19 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
September 30, 2016
There has recently been a small rise in the number of women wearing the niqab in Bulgaria. (file photo)
Bulgaria has banned face-covering Islamic veils in public, joining a small number of European countries that have done so as debate rages across Europe about religious freedoms and Islamic terrorism.
Bulgaria's parliament approved the law that "bans wearing in public clothing that partially or completely covers the face" –referring to the burqa or the more common niqab.
Infringements carry fines that start at about 100 euros, or about $114, and rise to the equivalent of about 750 euros, or about $800.
Bulgaria's mostly centuries-old Muslim community, dating back to conversions during Ottoman times, makes up around 13 percent of the population, mostly in the Turkish minority.
Muslim women in Bulgaria have generally worn just a simple scarf to cover their hair.
But recently there has been a small rise in the number of women wearing the niqab among ultraconservative Muslim communities.
Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
