[AJA Global Report] France’s burqa ban upheld by human rights court

Judges at the European court of human rights (ECHR) have upheld France's burqa ban, agreeing with Paris's argument that it encouraged citizens to "live together." (Photo: Xinhua)

Judges at the European court of human rights (ECHR) have upheld France’s burqa ban, agreeing with Paris’ argument that it encouraged citizens to “live together.”

On July 13, 2010, France approved a bill outlawing the wearing of “clothing intended to hide the face” in public spaces and offenders can be fined and face possible jail time. While the bill did not mention specific communities or religions, it was known by all that it was primarily aimed at the Muslim full body and face-concealing garments, the niqab and the burqa. Justice Minister Michèle Alliot-Marie, who presented the bill to parliament, had specifically argued that being forced to wear these Muslim garments “amounts to being cut off from society and rejecting the very spirit of the French republic that is founded on a desire to live together.” France states that the ban is necessary for security reasons and in order to uphold the country’s secular traditions.

The European judges declared that the preservation of a certain idea of “living together” was the “legitimate aim” of the French authorities.

Isabelle Niedlispacher, representing the Belgian government, which introduced a similar ban in 2011 and which was party to the French defence, declared both the burqa and niqab “incompatible” with the rule of law. Aside from questions of security and equality, she added: “It’s about social communication, the right to interact with someone by looking them in the face and about not disappearing under a piece of clothing.”

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a speech at a gathering marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between China and France. (Photo: Xinhua)

50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and China, 1964-2014

The establishment of France-Chinese relations in 1964, under the Presidency of Charles de Gaulle, was a significant event: this recognition put France in a unique relationship with China. It has also lead to lasting changes in international relations. Today, Franco-Chinese cooperation contributes to maintaining peace and security as the two countries are members of the UN Security Council. This cooperation encourages common solutions to global issues, such as the fight against climate change.

2014 also marks the 30th anniversary of Franco-Chinese relations in civil nuclear cooperation, a key area which benefits greatly from bilateral cooperation, in the same way as the aeronautic sector.
President Xi Jinping’s visit to France is a part of the various events that have been organised for the 50thanniversary commemoration, which highlight all the aspects of Franco-Chinese friendship. The opening of the commemorations in January was marked by two prestigious cultural events: a concert by the Republican Guard at the National Museum of China and a cultural and festive “Chinese Night” (Nuit de Chine) at the Grand Palais in Paris. Events for the general public are also planned on university campuses in China to promote exchanges between young people, particularly in the cultural and scientific fields. France is ready collaborate with China in other aspects as well, such as sustainable development (a sustainable city project has been launched), the food-processing industry (French gastronomy and food security in particular), health, digital technology etc.

The numerous and diverse events organized in 2014 attest to the force of France-Chinese friendship. They will further strengthen this Franco-Chinese partnership, and enable each country to better understand the creativity and dynamism of the other.

China's Cheng Ji, center, the first Chinese rider ever to compete in the Tour de France. (Photo: AP)

China’s first Tour de France cyclist

The ‘2014 Tour de France’ is the 101st edition of the Tour de France. It started in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, on 5 July 2014, and will pass through London towards the end of the tour, before returning to France.

When the Tour began in Leeds on July 5th , Ji made history as the first cyclist from China to compete in the competition. Ji represents China, but he is employed by the Dutch team Giant-Shimano.

In 2007, he signed with the Giant-Shimano team, then known as Skil-Shimano. “Shimano China wanted to support some Chinese racers. They wanted someone to go to a European professional team to race, to finally have a Chinese rider start the Tour de France,” Ji told AFP. “I’m lucky they called me and said: ‘there’s a chance, you’re young and good for road biking’.”

This Tour de France has a special status even in Asia. “When I started cycling in China, the Tour de France was the only race they showed on the TV,” Ji said, adding that his participation was “an opportunity to show Chinese cycling to the world.”

“Having Cheng in the team as the first Chinese rider ever to ride the Tour de France will be huge for him and his country and we look forward to seeing the impact this has on the globalisation of the sport,” Kemna said.

Ji will most likely influence how cycling in China will be viewed on both a professional and a daily level. He hopes to inspire more Chinese racers. “I hope for the future we will send more and more riders to European pro races,” Ji said. “I hope they can use my experience to see that European cycling is possible.”

By Nina Taupier, France·Japan, AJA Global Reporter