UK judge insists burqa-clad woman must show face
25 Aug 2013 4:30 AM IST
A British judge has insisted that a burqa-clad woman must show her face in court to confirm her identity, saying the ‘principle of open justice’ could not be subject to religion.
Judge Peter Murphy said he would not allow the 21-year-old defendant to stand trial in the veil, which only revealed her eyes, because a different person could go into the dock pretending to be her.
‘It is necessary for this court to be satisfied that they can recognise the defendant. While I obviously respect the right to dress in any way she wishes, certainly while outside the court, the interests of justice are paramount’, he said.
Judge Peter Murphy said he would not allow the 21-year-old defendant to stand trial in the veil, which only revealed her eyes, because a different person could go into the dock pretending to be her.
‘It is necessary for this court to be satisfied that they can recognise the defendant. While I obviously respect the right to dress in any way she wishes, certainly while outside the court, the interests of justice are paramount’, he said.
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