RT-Engels: 24-03-2025,
A federal law prohibiting face coverings in public, backed by a 2021 referendum, came into force in Switzerland earlier this year
The Swiss authorities have issued the first fine under the country’s nationwide face-covering ban that took effect this year after a woman in Zurich wore a burqa in public, local outlet Blick reported on Sunday, citing police spokesperson Michael Walker.
The contentious measure, widely known as the “burqa ban,” is a federal law prohibiting face coverings in public spaces, including Muslim garments, such as burqas and niqabs, as well as masks and balaclavas worn by demonstrators or sports hooligans. Walker declined to reveal the woman’s age or details of her attire, citing privacy laws, but confirmed she was “not a tourist.” He said the woman refused to pay the fine, which totaled 100 Swiss francs ($110), meaning the case will now go to the cantonal governor’s office for further processing.
The ban stems from a 2021 Swiss referendum that narrowly passed with 51.2% support, following a campaign in favor of the measure led by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party. Though initially proposed as a measure targeting “radical Islam,” the law also aims to improve public safety, prohibiting masks at protests and sporting events. Violators face an immediate 100-franc fine, which can rise to 1,000 francs if contested in court.
The law includes exceptions for health, cold weather, carnival events,