(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - The ECHR in Strasbourg, France, will hear on Wednesday arguments in the case of a French woman - known by the initials SAS - who claims that the ban violates her rights to freedom of religion, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and a prohibition against discrimination.
In written arguments, SAS is described as a “devout Muslim and she wears the burqa and niqab in accordance with her religious faith, culture and personal convictions.”
Attempting to answer a frequent excuse used by promoters of the ban, she also stated that “neither her husband nor any other member of her family puts pressure on her to dress in this manner.”
The woman will not appear in court for safety reasons, having chosen instead to be represented by a British law firm.
“The need to be anonymous and remain so is vital in her bringing this case, as you could understand, and she could not risk therefore using anyone in France,” her lawyer said.
Lawyers for France will ask for the complaint to be dropped, noting that other courts rejected two previous complaints on the same subject.
A court ruling on the case is expected sometime in early 2014.
Since the law was imposed in 2010, attacks targeting Muslim women in France have been on the rise, with veil-offenders facing fines of up to 150 euros (USD 203).
French authorities claim the law is needed to protect the country's secular traditions and for security reasons.
France is home to the largest Muslim population among the 27 European Union member states. Nearly 10 percent of the 62 million people living in France are Muslim.
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