London, April 20: A protest organized by Unite Against Fascism has been held at the French Embassy in London against a burqa ban which has come into force in France.
Muslim women, students and the trade unionist participated in a protest organized by UAF and One Society Many Cultures and backed by the British Muslim Initiative, Islamic Forum of Europe, Islam Expo and the Enough Coalition.
The protesters were holding placards reading, “Defend religious and cultural freedom” and “Face veil – a woman’s right to choose.” They called for a halt in Islamophobic attacks on veils.
Over 40 supporters of the racist group, English Defence League (EDL), attacked the peaceful protesters before the police surrounded and guided them away.
“It is unacceptable that a group of racist thugs has attacked a demo calling for freedom of religious and cultural expression for Muslim women,” UAF Secretary Weyman Bennett said.
He said French president Nicolas Sarkozy has opened the door to racist and fascist groups by targeting Muslims through measures such as the burqa ban.
“It is clear the EDL is building a street thug movement that aims to smash anyone who stands up against racism, fascism and Islamophobia. We will continue our efforts to oppose them,” Bennett said.
The French president’s rule on the unlawfulness of covering faces in public, is considered as the latest instance of the rising wave of Islamophobia all over Europe.
Meanwhile, some feminists have supported the ban, claiming that wearing burqa or covering the face is a sign of women’s repression.
Critics say regulations that force women to change their religion or the way they dress do not provide freedom for them, but are considered as a tool of oppression and prejudice.
——–Agencies