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Analysts predict a state ease on hijab after President Zeine Al-Abidine appeared on TV honoring hijab-clad women in a Qur'an contest. |
TUNIS — Hijab-clad Tunisian women marked this year's `Eid Al-Fitr in a joyful mood after a court has ruled that a government law banning women from wearing the headscarf in public offices is unconstitutional.
"I'm over the moon this `Eid," Amani, a university student, told IslamOnline.net, wearing a colorful hijab.
"It's a good news for all hijab-clad women in Tunisia especially the court's verdict came a few days head of `Eid," which started in the North African country Friday, added Amani, who had to drop out after the university denied her access because of her hijab.
Last week, the Administrative Court has ruled in favor of Saeeda Adalah, a teacher who was suspended by her school for wearing hijab.
The administration based its decision on law no. 102 which considers hijab a sign of "extremism" and thus bans it.
In its verdict, the court said the law was in violation of the constitution and infringes on individuals rights. It added that the infamous law gives unlimited powers to the authorities, threatening basic freedoms including the freedom of belief.
"This is a hard-won testimony for us," said tearful Amani. "We have been waiting for years for such a ruling which proved that we are neither extremists or radicals and challenged the state."
The verdict has given Amani a great moral boost.
"Now I really consider filing a similar lawsuit to rejoin classes without university harassment," she said.
For Mona, a 29-year-old factory worker, the ruling would give her a new lease of life.
"The sight of a police station and security personnel used to send a chill down my spine," she said.
"But I'm feel confident now thanks to this ruling," added Mona, who now keeps a copy of the ruling at her bag.
"I can now tell them in the face that you pointless in banning hijab," she said, referring to policewomen.
Legal Backing
Rights activists say hijab-clad Tunisians now have a legal support they can invoke when necessary.
"This ruling is having a positive impact on hijab-clad women," said Mohammad Al-Nouri, the head of the Freedom and Justice rights group.
"They can cite the ruling to annul similar unconstitutional decisions taken by public institutions," he added.
Ziad Al-Doulati said the verdict has brought a smile to the girls' faces.
"My daughter wears a hijab and I was really happy with the ruling," he said.
"We now celebrate two `Eids," he added.
Analysts cite some signs indicating that the state might ease its restrictions on hijab in the days to come.
They said state-run newspapers have recently raised a debate on hijab and whether it was obligatory in Islam.
The daughter of President Zeine Al-Abidine has reportedly take on the headscarf and pushed for a state approval of the launch of Al-Zitouna Islamic channel, which is owned by her husband Sakhr Al-Matri.
Al-bidine further appeared in Ramadan on the state television, honoring hijab-clad women who excelled in memorizing the Noble Qur'an.
Hijab, which is an obligatory code of dress in Islam, has been a burning issue in Tunisia.
In 1981, then president Habib Bourguiba ratified a law banning women from wearing hijab in state offices. Worse still, the government issued in the 1980s and 1990s more restrictive enactments including the notorious 102 law.
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