A few days ago, police in Zurich, Switzerland—Europe’s wealthiest non-microstate—issued its very first fine under the country’s newly enacted face-covering ban, commonly known as the “burqa ban,” after a woman defied the law by wearing the face-covering Islamic veil in public.
Police spokesman Michael Walker told the Swiss news outlet Blick that authorities in Zurich had fined a woman for wearing a burqa— a one-piece veil associated with more radical forms of Islam that conceal the face and body, leaving only a mesh screen for visibility—in public.
Citing privacy laws, Walker refused to disclose the woman’s age or specifics of her clothing but confirmed that she was “not a tourist.”
The female perpetrator, Walker said, refused to pay the 100 Swiss franc ($110) fine, prompting the case to be referred to the cantonal governor’s office for further review.
The nationwide burqa ban, approved by Swiss voters in a 2021 referendum, officially came into effect in January. The federal law prohibiting face coverings in public applies to Muslim garments such as burqas and niqabs, as well as masks and balaclavas often worn by protesters and soccer hooligans.
The majority of Muslims in Switzerland are of ex-Yugoslavian origin, with one-fifth having Turkish roots. Muslims now make up 4.5% of the population, a figure that has doubled since 1990.
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Italy (in certain localities), the Netherlands (in public spaces), and Spain (in specific regions of Catalonia) have also enacted bans on full or partial face coverings.
France became the first European country to introduce a ban on the burqa and niqab in 2011. The niqab is a face veil that leaves only a slit for the eyes, whereas the burqa does not.
The referendum, which took place a decade after Switzerland voted to ban the construction of minarets—towers typically found on or near mosques—was initiated by the nationalist Swiss People’s Party and passed with 51.2% of the vote.
The Swiss People’s Party has been at the forefront of combating Islamization in Switzerland. It has previously called for a ban on mosques and Islamic institutions that promote radical Islam.
The party also advocates for blocking financial support for Islam from abroad and calls for the imprisonment of individuals who return from jihadist activities abroad. Additionally, it proposes that anyone who fails to adhere to the Swiss legal system should be deported.
The face-covering ban was originally proposed as a measure to combat radical Islam, while also aiming to enhance public safety by prohibiting mask-wearing at protests and sporting events. Individuals who violate the law face a fine of 100 Swiss francs ($110), which can escalate to as much as 1,000 francs ($1,135) if contested in court.
The law provides exceptions for face coverings worn for diplomatic or performance-related purposes, climate conditions, airline travel, or health reasons. Niqabs and burqas will still be permitted in places of worship.
Muslim organizations, unsurprisingly, have condemned the legislation.
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