DAR AL HARB - U.K.: "HEAD TO TOE BAG" HAS BEEN UPSET

Magistrate faces probe in Muslim veil row

A Manchester magistrate is facing an inquiry after refusing to deal with a defendant wearing a full Muslim veil, the Judiciary of England and Wales has said.

Ian Murray walked out of the case at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Thursday because Zoobia Hussain, 32, of Crumpsall, was covered by a hijab.

Hussain's lawyer Judith Hawkins said the young mother is "shocked and distressed" and found Mr Murray's treatment of her "insensitive and unacceptable".

Ms Hawkins said she will submit a formal written complaint to the court on Monday.

When the complaint is received, the judiciary will launch an internal investigation into Mr Murray's
behaviour, a spokesman said.

In a statement, Ms Hawkins said: "She [Hussain] remains shocked and distressed. She suffered hurt feelings and felt intimidated and deeply embarrassed by the treatment she received at court."She is also concerned for the feelings of others who were present in court."

The solicitor went on: "She feels that the court's treatment of her was insensitive, unacceptable and against the traditions of fairness and equality that we have come to expect from our system of justice."

"She is angry that, as a result of the ensuing publicity, she has now had to explain to her children what happened. She describes her children as being upset and worried for her."

Hussain, who is charged with criminal damage, had her entire face covered apart from her eyes when she faced the three magistrates.



Pertinent Links:

1) Magistrate faces probe in Muslim veil row