German defence minister’s refusal to wear a burqa on Saudi Arabia visit has ruffled many feathers

Saudi Arabia requires its women, not just the locals, but every female who steps into the oil-rich kingdom, to be covered from head-to-toe. Muslim women have to wear a long black garment known as abaya, accompanied with a hijab or the headscarf, a niqab or a veil with a narrow, rectangular slit for the eyes. This, or the women have to wear a burqa, with a mesh covering their eyes. However, there are certain exemptions for the non-Muslim foreigners. They do not have to wear a headscarf and they aren’t required to cover their faces. Simply put, they have to wear an abaya on visiting.

Saudi Arabia is not the only country that has this dress code incorporated legally into their system. Iran is another country that has equally oppressive diktats for what women are supposed to wear.

The German minister said she was annoyed that the visiting women are expected to cover up. Her visit just followed the arrest of a Saudi woman for posting photos of herself after taking off her veil on Twitter.

ALSO READ | Saudi woman arrested for removing veil and posting picture on Twitter

Although her attire has come under much scrutiny, with people criticising her decision, there were many who lauded her for putting up a brave front, rather than succumbing. These are some of the reactions that von der Leyen’s ‘abhorrence’ garnered on the social media.

German Minister Ursula von der Leyen perfectly attired for any sort of meeting in any country – in my opinion.

— Christopher Lamb (@Chris_Lamb) December 15, 2016

German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen is an antidote to Merkel in her refusal to have Saudi savages tell her how to dress

— Paddy Manning ن (@PaddyJManning) December 15, 2016

Ursula von der Leyen REFUSES to wear hijab during visit to Saudi Arabia
Finally someone with conviction #MAGA #tcothttps://t.co/5Sh3yUGo8K

— Master Deplorable (@MiekeBush) December 15, 2016

Could this be another example of the lack of tolerance of western culture & visitors? #ToleranceIsTwoWays #Freedom https://t.co/fGVi61UWMX

— UKBrexit16 (@Brexit16Uk) December 14, 2016

About time a politician did what the people want, well done! German minister refuses to wear hijab in Saudi Arabia https://t.co/qlqj6ZUDfe

— Rugs99 ✌🏻️🇬🇧 (@rugs99) December 14, 2016

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Earlier in 2015, Michelle Obama was criticised by religious fundamentalists and conservatists for visiting the country in a loose-fitted, colourful garment, without a headscarf.