Afghanistan, Feb. 2 -- Foreign media reports have revealed that the government of Kyrgyzstan has recently imposed a ban on wearing the Arab-style veil (niqab) in the country. The government has also introduced fines for individuals who wear this clothing in public spaces.
According to Radio Free Europe, Kyrgyzstan, a predominantly Muslim country in Central Asia, has now joined the ranks of other nations in the region by prohibiting the wearing of the niqab, a long garment that covers the body, hair, and face except for the eyes. This ban went into effect on February 1st, with a fine of 20,000 som (about $230) imposed on women who wear the veil in public.
Kyrgyz lawmakers have argued that the ban is necessary for security reasons, as it al...