Police in the picturesque Annecy region of the French Alps have been issuing notices to tourists wearing burqas and niqabs as a reminder that this religious dress is illegal in France.
Many tourists make the journey to Annecy from Switzerland where wearing a full-face veil is legal. Police commissioner Alain Favre said the move was centred around public safety and not ‘burqa hunting’. Those wearing a burqa could face a fine of €150, but officers in the region have been advised to inform and warn tourists of the laws rather than hand out fines. In the case where a burqa-clad tourist may need to be identified police have been advised to handle the matter privately and discreetly. Read more: thelocal.ch