Last month’s deadly attacks on Orthodox churches and synagogues in Russia’s North Caucasus republic of Dagestan sparked a new discussion on the possibility of a nationwide ban on the niqab, a full-face veil worn by some Muslim women.
Amidst reports that one of the assailants planned to evade capture by wearing a niqab, several Russian regions have issued Islamic law rulings prohibiting the garment due to security concerns.
With around 7.15 million Muslims in Russia, Islam is a significant religion, particularly in the Caucasus and Volga-Ural regions. Most Russian Muslims adhere to the Hanafi school of Sunni Islam.
Legal Landscape:
While the Russian Constitution guarantees religious freedom, debates on banning religious head coverings have persisted since the 2000s. In 2015, the Supreme Court upheld a local ban on the hijab in schools, setting a legal precedent.
Proposed Changes:
Recent legislative proposals aim to ban all Islamic headdresses in public spaces, sparking criticism from Muslim leaders. President Putin previously endorsed a hijab ban in schools in 2012.
Regional Developments:
Various Muslim-majority regions have introduced temporary niqab bans, citing discord and security concerns. However, debates continue within these regions on the cultural and political implications of such restrictions.
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