A Moroccan-born trainee lawyer was ejected from an Emilia-Romagna regional administrative court (TAR) hearing because she was wearing the Muslim veil Wednesday - though the ruling was reversed after a day of criticism. Twenty-five-year-old Asmae Belfakir was asked by the judge either to remove the hijab or leave the courtroom. Belkafir, the legal representative of Bologna’s Islamic community, chose to leave.
A note pinned up outside the room said “anyone who takes part in or attends the hearing cannot carry weapons or sticks and must have an uncovered head and keep silent.” The Bologna Islamic community said “it is urgent that the competent authorities clear up this case”.
Community coordinator Yassine Lafram said “there are no laws banning the veil in a courtroom” and said the judge had voiced an “arbitrary position”.