Kyrgyz police have conducted street patrols in Jalal-Abad, speaking with women about the country’s ban on wearing the niqab, a face veil worn by some Muslim women, in public places. The State Committee for National Security released photos of the enforcement efforts.
Kyrgyzstan’s law on religious freedom and religious associations, which prohibits wearing the niqab in public spaces, took effect in late January 2025. Violators face a fine of approximately $230. On April 2, law enforcement officials held a meeting in Jalal-Abad to enforce the ban and raise awareness among women wearing niqabs in public.
The law also bans clothing that «prevents personal identification,» attempting to convert non-religious individuals or atheists, performing religious rituals in nursing homes, prisons and military units, and distributing religious literature door-to-door or in educational institutions.
In December 2024, the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan expressed support for a similar niqab ban, a topic that has been debated in society for years.
