Muslim woman who hasn't shown her face in public for 18 years ordered to remove veil (AUS)

dailymail ^

[traumer]

A strict Muslim woman who says she has never shown her face in public, has been ordered by a female judge to remove her veil when she gives evidence in an Australian court.

District Court judge Shauna Deane said in the Western Australian Supreme Court today that in the interest of a fair trial against a man accused of fraud, she should not be allowed to wear a niqab, which allows only the eyes to be seen.

The 36-year-old woman, known only as Tasneem, said she was a strict Muslim and it was against her religion to show her face anywhere except in the confines of her home.

The defence has argued that her whole face should be seen so the jury could decide on the veracity of her evidence.

But prosecutor Mark Ritter told the court that Tasneem had not shown her face in public in more than 18 years and would find it stressful to reveal her features to strange men.

The judge agreed that the jury should have the opportunity to assess the facial expressions of the Islamic Studies teacher to help weigh up her credibility as a witness.

Her decision, she added, was not to set a precedent for other courts - it was up to them to assess similar circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

[yldstrk]

Halloween costume

[traumer]

And would a Sikh take off his turban?

[sarasmom]

A turban does not obscure identity, or hide facial expressions.

[James C. Bennett]

I don’t think Sikhs have a problem taking off the turban - they are obliged to wash and run a comb through its length, every day. It’s only cutting it that they object to.

[Rodamala]

Would a ninja have to unveil his face in court? Yes

...pirates on trial have the right to face their accuser. :P

[SunkenCiv]

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