Kazakhstan Enacts Public Ban on Niqabs

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a new law prohibiting the wearing of clothing that obstructs facial recognition in public places.

The legislation was announced by the presidential press office, The Caspian Post reports, citing Kazakh media.

The law includes several exceptions, allowing face coverings in specific circumstances such as legal provisions, official duties, medical needs, and severe weather conditions.

The move comes amid broader discussions across the region about religious attire in public life. Earlier this year, a high-profile incident in Russia reignited debate when a criminal case was launched against a man who assaulted a woman for wearing a niqab on the Moscow metro.

The altercation took place at Filatov Lug station, where a 61-year-old man reportedly attempted to forcibly remove the face covering of a female passenger after recording her and her companion on his phone. Surveillance footage confirmed the man had grabbed the woman by the head in an attempt to pull off her niqab.

Law enforcement classified the incident as petty hooliganism, and the man was sentenced to seven days of administrative arrest.

Despite ongoing cultural tensions, the Russian Orthodox Church recently emphasized its collaboration with Muslim communities on issues such as the protection of family values.