Kremlin and State Duma distance off niqab-ban discussion

The topic of banning niqabs in the republics of the North-Caucasian Federal District (NCFD) is not discussed in the Kremlin, the presidential press secretary has stated. The issues of religious clothing fall within the competence of the clergy, the Russian State Duma MPs have indicated.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that a temporary ban on wearing niqabs had been introduced in Dagestan. The Spiritual Administration of Muslims (SAM) of Karachay-Cherkessia has also introduced a temporary ban on wearing niqabs in the republic.

The fatwa of the Dagestani SAM (Muftiate) on the ban on wearing niqabs is not mandatory; only those for whom the Muftiate is an authority will follow it, and not all the residents of the republic think so, local religious scholars have pointed out.

The Kremlin is not discussing the topic of banning niqabs, Dmitry Peskov, Vladimir Putin's press secretary, told the RBC (RosBiznesConsulting).

According to Artyom Bichaev, the first deputy chairman of the State Duma committee on the development of civil society, issues of public and religious associations and an MP from Dagestan, the committee believes that the issue of wearing niqabs is the responsibility of the Muslim clergy. However, if there is "a need to ensure citizens' safety," the State Duma will make the necessary decisions, Mr Bichaev has added.

Andrei Alshevskikh, a member of the State Duma Security Committee, believes that high-profile issues should be discussed "carefully." "We must understand that any decision on a religious topic can offend millions of our fellow citizens," he has stated.