Gambia: Muslim Students Sue Schools over Alleged Veil Ban
A crowd of veiled students and their supporters gathered at the Banjul high court to sue five schools for allegedly preventing them from wearing veils at schools.
The students claimed that their schools' actions caused them emotional distress and embarrassment and violated their fundamental human rights and dignity. They are seeking more than $300,000 in compensation.
They also want the authorities to pass a law that allows them to wear veils in schools.
The schools denied any wrongdoing and filed their statement of defence.
The case was adjourned to 20th June 2023 by Justice Jaiteh of Banjul high court for hearing and judgment.
Some of the schools in the lawsuit are Christian but most of their students are Muslims.
The Gambia is a predominantly Muslim country with a Christian minority.
Source: agencies
