Austria’s ‘Burqa Ban’ claims an unusual victim

0
414
This illustration photo shows a model holding up an information pamphlet about new Austrian restrictions banning the wearing of burqas and other items covering the face in public places and buildings, in Vienna, Austria on September 29, 2017. The new restrictions come into force in Austria on October 1, 2017 banning the wearing of the full Islamic veil and other clothes concealing the face in public places and buildings. Exemptions "under certain conditions" include items like clown disguises "at cultural events", work wear such as medical masks, and scarves in cold weather, the government says. / AFP PHOTO / JOE KLAMAR

Cii Radio| Ayesha Ismail| 11 October 2017| 20 Muharram 1439

An Austrian law that forbids any kind of full-face covering including Islamic veils has claimed an unusual victim — a man wearing a shark suit.

Police say they issued a citation on Monday after the man — part of a street advertising campaign for the McShark computer chain stores — refused several requests to take off his shark head.

In effect this month, most full face coverings are prohibited in public in Austria, including off-slope ski masks, surgical masks outside hospitals and party masks on the street. Popularly known as the “burqa ban,” the law is mostly seen as directed at the clothing worn by some ultra-conservative Muslim women.

Violations carry a possible fine of 150 euros (nearly $180). Only a handful of citations have been issued.

Source – News 24