German Judge Bans Woman From Wearing Headscraf In Court

german-court.jpg" alt="" width="571" height="355" /> Photo: World Bulletin

Berlin, MINA – A German judge has banned a Syrian woman from wearing a headscarf in court during divorce proceedings against her husband.

The woman’s lawyer Najat Abokal told daily newspaper Tagesspiegel that the judge in the eastern city of Luckenwalde sent a letter to her client saying that religiously motivated statements such as wearing a headscarf would not be allowed in the hearing.

The judge’s letter also warned the woman she would face legal charges if she did not comply with this instruction during the hearing scheduled for July 27, the lawyer was cited as saying, World Bulletin reported.

Meanwhile, Roswitha Neumaier, the director of the district court, was reported to have said the hearing has been postponed over the objection.

Also Read: Hind Rajab Foundation Sends 1,000 Israeli Soldiers’ Names to ICC

In Germany, home to nearly 4.7 million Muslims, religious freedoms are protected by the constitution.

Several German states have banned public employees such as teachers, police, judges or prosecutors from wearing religious clothing and symbols while on duty. However, there is no law that prevents citizens from wearing headscarves or other religious symbols while they are in public institutions.

The Federal Constitutional Court ruled in 2006 that people present as spectators could not be expelled from a court proceeding because they were wearing a headscarf.(T/R04/RE1)

Also Read: Ireland Files Declaration to Join ICJ Genocide Case against Israel

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)