Denmark: Anti-veil law march draws 1300 in Copenhagen

Event

Around 1300 people attended a march in Copenhagen on Wednesday, August 1, to protest a law banning the use of face veils in public. The protest began near Mjolnerparken, a housing complex popular with immigrants and one that has been described by the government as a "ghetto." Protesters marched to a police station where they formed a human chain. No arrests were reported.

Context

A law banning face veils in public was passed in May and come into effect on Wednesday, with violators of the ban subject to increasing fines for multiple offenses. Critics say the measure is discriminatory toward Muslims. This follows the announcement of a set of proposed policies that would impose separate requirements for people living in poorer, predominately immigrant and Muslim neighborhoods.

Advice

Individuals are advised to avoid protests and demonstrations, report suspicious objects and behaviors, and obey instructions issued by local authorities.