Kyrgyz parliament proposed ban on hijab, niqab

Kyrgyz MP Sharapatkan Mazhitova suggested banning the traditional Muslim hijab and niqab in order to improve security.

"I propose to ban the wearing of hijab and niqab [traditional women's headdress made of black fabric, covering the face, with a narrow slit for the eyes], which do not allow ‘Safe City’ cameras to identify a person's identity. I believe that we must think about safety first and foremost," Mazhitova said at a parliamentary session, Interfax reports.

She noted that the hijab and niqab do not fit Kyrgyz culture and traditions.

"Our women have always walked around with an open face, and there was no such thing as covering it completely," Mazhitova said.

The deputy, who represents the Yntymak faction, added that there has been a recent increase in the number of cases of women wearing these types of clothing in the republic.