France's Corsica upholds local ban on burkiniSeptember 7, 2016 - 11:06 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A court on the French island of Corsica has upheld a local ban on the burkini - the full-body swimwear preferred by some Muslim women, BBC News reports. The court in Bastia ruled that the ban was legal on public order grounds. Last month, a beach brawl between families of North African descent and local youths left five people injured. France's top administrative court ruled in August that the ban, imposed in a number of towns across the country, violated basic freedoms. However, it also found that the measure was permissible if wearing the burkini was likely to cause a public disturbance. On Tuesday, September 6, the Bastia court dismissed a challenge to the ban from France's Human Rights League organisation. The court ruled that the ban should be maintained because "strong emotions persist" on the Mediterranean island. The measure was imposed by the village mayor in Sisco, where the mass brawl took place in August. Mayor Ange-Pierre Vivoni said the verdict was "a relief for me and local people". Vivoni added that he had acted because he "risked having deaths on my hands". Witnesses said that hatchets and harpoons were used in the Sisco beach disturbance. Tension has grown in recent months between local communities and Muslims of North African origin in the south of France, following the massacre of 85 people by a lorry driver on the seafront at Nice on 14 July, an attack claimed by so-called Islamic State. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event. Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party. Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims. Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement. |