Arab West Report Egyptian press summaries and media research for dialogue

Pupils went back to school in France yesterday, on the first day of implementation of the new law banning obvious religious symbols – among them the hijab – from state schools. This happened without serious incident after the story of the two French journalists kidnapped in Iraq grabbed the nation’s interest.



Fouad Allawi, General Secretary of the Union of French Islamic Organizations, said: “We asked girls not to challenge the state. Their first concern is that of their studies.”



The kidnappers of the French journalists had demanded the annulment of the law banning the hijab. But international, Arab and Islamic protests against the kidnapping of the journalists continued throughout the world.



Fatiha Ajbali, member of the Union of Islamic Organizations in France, said: “I refuse to wear a hijab stained with blood.”



Linda, a 16-year-old living in a Parisian suburb, whose hands are covered with henna drawings, said: “Even in the mosque they asked us to take off our hijabs when we arrived at the school gate. The Imam said that we would remain good Muslims, and that it is proper to obey the law.”



France witnessed only one protest opposing the banning of the hijab, organized in Strasbourg. Around 50 people participated, most of them hijab-wearing girls. One of the leaders of the protest said: “The main aim is to clarify that this has no connection with what is happening in Iraq. We have no connection with the demands of this obscure group.”