Courts in Meaux, Paris has convicted the first Muslim women for opposing the burqa ban set in April this year.
On Thursday morning, French courts decided to fine two Muslim women for wearing their burqas in public areas, despite the ban set in April this year.
When the ban was first suggested 2,000 Muslim women were proudly wearing the burqa and veils on the streets of France.
Courts in Meaux, Paris fined Hind Ahmas, 32, 120 euros (£104) and Najate Nait, 36, 80 euros (£70) after they were caught wearing the niqab outside the town hall in May this year. The court decided to fine the women rather than make them attend a citizenship course as had been requested by the prosecutor.
Both women have vowed to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.
Both women arrived late too late to attend the ruling. Lawyer Gilles Devers represented both women, and told the German Press Agency that he would still appeal their conviction, as it still is a “violation of women’s rights”.
“The problem is not the fine. The problem is that these women are effectively under house arrest. That’s the real punishment,” said Mr Devers.
Many arrests have been made since the ban was imposed. However, no fines had been given until today.
Ms Ahmas told the German Press Agency that she had hoped she would be fined today in order to enable her to challenge the law which she describes as “an attack on her freedom of religion”.
By Bethan Hâf Marsh
[Image courtesy of siobh.ie]
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