Kyrgyzstan Enforces Niqab Ban Amid Public Safety Concerns

Kyrgyzstan has implemented a ban on the full-body niqab, which covers women’s bodies and faces, following a decree from President Sadyr Japarov in January, WION reported. The ban has now received support from the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan, which labeled the niqab as “alien to our society.” Authorities argue that such clothing could allow individuals to conceal their identities, potentially posing public safety risks.

Women found wearing the niqab may face fines of 20,000 Som (approximately $230), exceeding half of the country’s average monthly wage. President Japarov emphasized that women in Kyrgyzstan have traditionally not worn the burqa and stated that the ban is crucial for ensuring public safety.

This legislation is part of a broader initiative by Central Asian nations to address rising Islamist influence in the region, which has become a concern since the Soviet Union’s collapse and the subsequent religious revival.