Burkini or covering clothes made compulsory at the beach – Liberation

The start of a large retrograde campaign? This Tuesday, June 10, the new Syrian authorities asked women to wear the burkini or clothes covering the body on public beaches. This decision of the Ministry of Tourism comes six months after taking power by an Islamist coalition which has overturned President Bashar al-Assad.

In fairly conservative Syria, few women were already putting themselves in swimsuit on public beaches. In « The general interest »the ministry asks women going to the public beaches of « Wear a burkini or bath clothes covering the body more »according to the press release. Outside the swimming areas, they must wear a large garment and men should not circulate shirtless.

These restrictions are even more hypocritical than they apply to clubs and private establishments considered luxurious by the Ministry of Tourism, where « Western bathing outfits are authorized within the limit of morality ». The rest of the private establishments must follow the new instructions.

In addition, the ministry stresses that it is necessary to carry in public places « Ample clothes and cover the shoulders and knees »and to avoid « Transparent or very tight clothes »without specifying whether these measures concern women and men. Nor does it indicate if sanctions are provided for in the event of a violation of these new rules.

Since taking power by Islamists, Syrians have feared for individual freedoms. On social networks, videos show young Syrians who repeat religious slogans or ask for the closure of bars that serve alcohol. In May, a woman had been killed by armed men who had attacked a nightclub in Damascus.