A 21-year-old Muslim woman from Hackney, England was not allowed to enter a plea at a crown court in London, because her burka did not reveal her face, the Big News Network website reports today (August 24, 2013).
The woman -- who is charged with intimidating a witness -- said she could not remove the veil in front of men because of her religion.
Judge Peter Murphy pointed out, however, she could not stand trial in the veil, which only reveals her eyes, because her identity could not be confirmed.
He said it was necessary for the court to be satisfied that they could recognize the defendant, adding that while he respected her right to dress in any way she wishes while outside the court, inside the court the interests of justice are paramount. The woman is scheduled to return to Blackfriars Crown Court on September 12.
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