Impunity Watch

By Christina Berger
Impunity Watch Reporter, Europe

PARIS, France–A controversial ban on full-face veils recently took effect in France. The law banning the veils in public was passed last fall amidst criticism that it violates freedom of expression and freedom of religion values, as well as takes away women’s right choose for themselves. The law imposes a fine of 150 euros for women violating the law, and fine of 30,000 errors for any men who force their wives to wear a full-face veil.

Human rights groups such as Amnesty International have argued that France’s burqa ban violates European human rights law. John Dalhuisen, Amnesty International’s expert on discrimination in Europe, responded when the ban was first passed by the French government, “[a] complete ban on the covering of the face would violate the rights to freedom of expression and religion of those women who wear the burqa or the niqab as an expression of their identity or beliefs.”

Police in France imposed the fine on the first day the law took effect. Two women wearing the full-face veil were arrested in Paris for an unauthorized protest of the new law. In a unique approach, Rachid Nekkaz, an activist with the group Hands Off My Constitution, wore a mask while carrying a check for the 150-euro fine on the day the law went into effect lat week. According to CCN, Nekkaz’s group auctioned one of his homes to raise the money needed to pay the fines of any woman arrested for wearing the forbidden veils.

Some critics of the law have complained that in addition to possible human rights violations, the full-face veil ban affects only a tiny population. An estimated 2,000 or less women wear the full-face veils in a country with a Muslim population of 3.5 million. Jonathan Laurence, an associate professor of political science at Boston College and the author of an upcoming book, “The Emancipation of Europe’s Muslims” says that the law is “an unnecessary confrontation…[t]his is not an epidemic.”

The Open Society Foundations recently published a report, Unveiling the Truth: Why 32 Women Wear the Full-Face Veil in France, which is aimed at dispelling some of the myths and misrepresentations found in the debate over the veil ban in France. The report examines the the decision of the 32 women who choose to wear the veil, their experiences in public, and how they feel about the legislation. The report details the verbal and even physical abuse they’ve been subjected to as a result of the debate surrounding the veil banning, as well as being accused of “shaming” the entire Muslim community and “dirtying the religion.”

The French Constitutional Council has stated that the law does not prevent the free exercise of religion and thus conforms to the constitution. The ban enjoys the support of the majority of the French people. A Washington think-tank conducted a survey and found the ban had drawn the widest support in France where 82% of people polled approved the ban, versus for example the US where 2/3 of Americans polled opposed a ban.

When the ban was first passed, Amnesty International spoke out about letting majority public opinion restrict human rights. “As a general rule, the rights to freedom of religion and expression entail that all people should be free to choose what – and what not – to wear. These rights cannot be restricted simply because some – even a majority – find a form of dress objectionable or offensive.”

For more information, please see:

GUARDIAN — France’s false ‘battle of the veil’ — 18 April 2011

HUFFINGTON POST — French Burqa Ban Sets a Dangerous Precedent — 14 April 2011

CNN — 2 arrested as France’s ban on burqas, niqabs takes effect — 12 April 2011

BBC — France issues first fine for woman in Islamic veil — 12 April 2011

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL — France votes to ban full-face veils — 13 July 2010

By Laura Hirahara
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa

Post-election riots grip many states across Nigeria; Photo courtesy of the AFP

ABUJA, Nigeria– Despite observers asseritions that Nigeria’s latest election is the most free and fair in its 12 year democratic history, violent riots have spread across the northern states. Over 16,000 have been displaced and hundreds are being treated for injuries related to the clashes. While it is presumed that many have died since the election results were announced, the government is refusing to release any numbers out of fear that it will increase the conflict.

On Saturday, incumbent president Jonathan Goodluck, a Christian from the oil rich southern delta region, was announced the winner, garnering 57% of the vote. His nearest rival in the polls, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, a Muslim from the northern region, lost by 10 million votes. By Sunday morning rioters began retaliating against what they saw as a rigged election. In the north, of which most of the population is Muslim, crowds set fire to tires and set up barricades against security forces. Heavy gunfire could be heard throughout many towns and homes that displayed Goodluck election posters have been burned.

Those fleeing the violence have resorted to sleeping in police barracks and gathering at hotels. One man told reporters at a hotel in Kano, “Friends lost homes; I saw people who were killed.” and another woman added “I was at my place of work and I just saw people running, houses burnt.” Umar Mairiga of the Nigerian Red Cross said, “The damage is immense. A lot of buildings have been torched- houses, businesses, and religious centers.” Many of the rioters have been heard shouting “Only Buhari!” as they run through towns. Buhari has responded, telling BBC reporters “I must emphasise that what is happening is not ethnic, religious or regional.”

Tens of thousands have died in Nigeria over the last ten years due to ethnic and religious conflict and elections have notoriously resulted in violence. Even though observers have said that Saturday’s election was a positive step for the country, bombings and shootings overshadowed the last few months of preparations. The election itself had to be postponed as election materials and procedures were mishandled.

Several irregularities have been noted in this most recent election. The Civil Society Election Situation Room observation group reported that there had been underage voting in several states as well as intimidation at the polling centers. The Independent Nigerian Election Council, charged with managing the process, has been accused of “ineffective” oversight. To date, Goodluck’s majority People’s Democratic Party, is the only party to recognize and sign the results. As the election results continue to be challenged, the Red Cross estimates that many more will be displaced by the ongoing violence.

For more information, please see;

BBC– Nigeria Election: Thousands Flee After Riots– 19 April, 2011

CNN– Widespread Election Violence Erupts in Nigeria– 19 April, 2011

Bloomberg Businessweek– Nigerian Leader Wins Presidential Poll Amid Riots– 18 April, 2011

Boston Globe– Amid Rioting, Nigeria’s President Declared Election Winner– 19 April, 2011