Kyrgyzstan’s top Muslim body backs ban on full-body veils

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan: Kyrgyzstan´s official Muslim governing body has come out in favour of a government ban on full-body veils known as the niqab, as Central Asian officials seek to combat growing Islamist influence, local media reported.

The Muslim-majority country introduced a ban earlier this year on the garment, worn by some adult women, that covers most of the body except the eyes. Those found wearing the garment could be fined 20,000 Som ($230), more than half the monthly average wage.

“The niqab is alien to our society,” the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan was quoted as saying by local media on Tuesday. “It is possible that our niqab-wearing sisters are attackers in disguise, which threatens public safety. So it is important to openly show your face to be recognisable,” it added.

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, who signed the ban into law in January, said in an interview on Saturday that women had traditionally “never worn a burqa” in the country and that the move was “important for ensuring public safety”.