Chechnya’s Mufti Condemns Hijab Bans in Russian Schools as Unconstitutional
His statement follows a directive issued by education authorities in Russia's Vladimir region, which prohibited religious attire, including hijabs and niqabs, in public schools.
"We’re bewildered by the fact that this prohibition order specifically and only targets Islamic religious clothing,” Mezhiev stated.
“We hope that is due to an inadequate amount of work that was put into developing the order and not the result of a concerted effort against Muslims," The Moscow Times quoted him as saying.
Mezhiev, who also advises Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, expressed doubts that the hijab bans serve Russia's national security interests. The bans come amid heightened tensions and a rise in xenophobia following recent attacks claimed by Daesh terrorists.
Read More:
Bans on religious clothing in schools are not new to Russia. Similar prohibitions were enacted in the Stavropol region in 2013 and the republic of Mordovia in 2015, both upheld by Russia’s Supreme Court.
President Vladimir Putin also voiced opposition to students wearing hijabs at school in public statements in 2012 and 2013.
Source: Agencies
