Belgium: Brussels diplomat forcibly lifts veil of a wealthy Qatari princess

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“I wanted to make clear that the veil is banned in Belgium. Because the person didn’t seem to hear me, I lifted her veil. I know I shouldn't have done that, but what she did wasn't legal either.”

Jean-Marie Pire, Chief of Protocol for the city of Brussels

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: The Time | UK / Daily Mail UK
By Charles Bremner, The Time / Peter Allen, Daily Mail
Staff Report | August 20, 2014

The chief of protocol in Brussels has been arrested for tearing off the full-face veil of a Qatari princess after she asked him for directions, it has been reported by UK's Daily Mail

The senior Belgium diplomat specializing in protocol has admitted forcibly lifting the veil saying, “I said I don’t talk to anyone if I can’t see their face.”

According to The Time, Jean-Marie Pire, 60, a diplomat who has held his post for ten years, is employed by the council to welcome foreign dignitaries to the Belgian capital. The incident happened near the Grand Place in the city center on Thursday last week.

Mr Pire said he “wanted to make clear that the veil is banned in Belgium.Because the person didn’t seem to hear me, I lifted her veil."

"I know I shouldn't have done that, but what she did wasn't legal either. Mr Pire added, according to the Time”

According to Daily Mail report, some eyewitnesses have claimed that Mr Pire was drunk at the time of the incident, although he denies this, saying it was ‘three o’clock in the afternoon’, adding: ‘Besides, I don’t drink much.’

Brussels prosecutors are investigating the complaint against Mr Pire.

The princess has made an official complaint to Brussels prosecutors, who may now charge Mr Pire with assault.

The woman, who has not been named, said she suffered cuts and bruises after her earrings were violently dislodged, along with her veil.

She  herself faces a fine of around £115 and up to seven days in prison for wearing the veil in public.



  --  Belgium: Brussels diplomat forcibly lifts veil of Qatari princess


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