Kyrgyzstan Bans Full-Body Niqabs, Imposes Fines Amid Safety Concerns

Kyrgyzstan has enacted a law banning women from wearing full-body niqabs in public, effective January 2025, citing public safety concerns. The law, supported by the Muftiyat of Kyrgyzstan, imposes a fine of 20,000 Som on violators and is framed as a measure to prevent individuals from hiding their identities, potentially posing risks to safety. President Sadyr Japarov defended the ban, asserting that niqabs are 'alien' to Kyrgyz tradition, as women historically have not worn such garments. The ban reflects broader regional concerns about rising Islamist influence, particularly following the resurgence of interest in Islamism after the Soviet Union's collapse. The Muftiyat clarified that while women must cover their bodies according to Sharia law, the niqab itself is not obligatory and is viewed as a modern intrusion. This legislation highlights the tension between secular governance and religious practices in Central Asia, where governments have sought to curb radicalization.