It is incredibly important for people to be able to see the face.
Woman cannot give evidence in a niqab, Australian court rules
Moutia Elzahed, whose husband was convicted of aiding terrorism, is denied request in her damages claim against police
1 December 2016
An Australian judge has declined a request from a Muslim woman to wear a niqab while giving evidence in a damages claim against police where she alleges that officers assaulted her during a raid on her home.
On Tuesday in the New South Wales district court, Judge Audrey Balla ruled on a request from Moutia Elzahed to wear her niqab while giving evidence to the court, in what may by one of the first rulings of its kind in Australia.
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Counsel for the NSW police, Michael Spartalis, said it was their preference that she gave evidence without her face covered.
“Facial expressions is a very important part of giving evidence and, as I understand, it in these courts, in New South Wales at least, my understanding or recollection was that if you are here, you must show your face,” he said.
FULL STORY: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/dec/01/woman-cannot-give-evidence-in-a-niqab-australian-court-rules