Muslim Frenchwoman 'fined for veil on Cannes beach'

Islamic swimsuits or burkinis were banned in a ruling by the Cannes mayor following a series of attacks in France, including one in nearby Nice

A Muslim Frenchwoman says she was fined and faced racial abuse for wearing a hair-covering veil on a Cannes beach.

The woman, a Toulouse native named only as Siam, was strolling on the beach while on holiday with her two children. She said she was told by three police officers that her clothing was "not correct". Meanwhile, she says, a crowd gathered, some shouting: "Go home!"

A 'burkini'

The Cannes mayor earlier this month banned full-body swimsuits known as "burkinis" from the beach.
David Lisnard said they were a "symbol of Islamic extremism" and might spark scuffles, as France is the target of Islamist attacks.

The working of his ruling suggests it could be applied to any "beachwear which ostentatiously displays religious affiliation".

'Dipping my feet'

In this case, Siam, 34, says she was wearing not a burkini but a hijab covering only her hair, along with leggings and a tunic.

"I wasn't intending on bathing, just dipping my feet in the water," Siam told L'Obs news website (in French).
Approached by the police officers, Siam says they asked her whether she was aware of the order in force in Cannes, and she said she had not followed it closely.

She says she was then told that beach users had to wear "proper dress". The officers suggested she could remain on the beach if she rearranged her scarf as a headband around the head.

She refused, and was fined €11 (£9.45; $12.45) - a fine which, reports suggest, she will contest.