Dagestan Imposes Temporary Niqab Ban After Attacks

Islamic authorities in Russia's Dagestan Republic have imposed a temporary ban on the niqab, a full-face veil worn by some Muslim women, following a series of deadly terrorist attacks on June 23 that killed 22 people. The decision, announced by Deputy Head Mufti Abdulla Salimov, was made in response to security concerns raised by the local government and the ministry of nationality policy and religious affairs. Reports indicated that one of the attackers had planned to escape wearing a niqab, prompting heightened security measures. While the niqab is not universally mandated within the Muslim community, the ban is intended to be temporary until the threat is eliminated and a new clerical ruling is issued. The move has sparked debate among local religious leaders and the population, with varying opinions on the necessity and impact of the ban.