Dagestan Bans Niqabs After Deadly Attacks on Religious Sites

Dagestan, a province in Russia, has announced a temporary ban on wearing niqabs, a full-face veil with an opening for the eyes. This decision follows deadly terror attacks on Jewish and Orthodox Christian houses of worship.

Details of the Ban

The muftiate, an administrative entity for the Muslim majority in Dagestan, stated on Telegram that the niqab will be forbidden until the identified threats are eliminated and a new theological conclusion is reached.

The Attacks

The ban comes after attacks on synagogues and Orthodox churches in Makhachkala and Derbent on June 23, which resulted in 22 deaths and dozens of injuries. Authorities blamed international terrorist organizations but did not specify any group.

Security Concerns

One of the attackers planned to escape wearing a niqab, leading Dagestan’s governor, Sergei Melikov, to call the niqab a ‘security risk.’ The region has a history of Islamic insurgency.

Reactions

Prominent figures in Russia have expressed their views on the ban. Alexander Bastrykin, head of Russia’s Investigative Committee, called for a blanket ban, while Chechnya’s ruler, Ramzan Kadyrov, warned against confusing religions with extremist actions.

Identified Attackers

Law enforcement identified five attackers behind the violence, including former MMA fighter Gadzhimurad Kagirov and relatives of district head Magomed Omarov. The attacks have highlighted the rising threat of Islamic extremism in Russia.