The police do not take action against persons wearing the full face veil for religious reasons because this does not contravene the country's laws, Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela told Clyde Puli (PN) in reply to a parliamentary question.

He said the police acted against anyone wearing a mask or anything aimed at changing his appearance in breach of the criminal code.

Action is not, however, taken against persons wearing the full face veil for religious reasons since this did not amount to a breach of the criminal code.

However, the police could order the removal of the veil if they had a reasonable suspicion that the person was about to commit a crime.

Transport Minister Joe Mizzi said in reply to a similar question, by Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi, that Transport Malta has no policy on drivers wearing the burqa. The minister, despite being asked, did not say if he felt such a policy was needed.

 

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