Russia's SC dismisses complaint about ban on wearing hijabs in schools of Stavropol Territory

The Collegium of the Supreme Court (SC) of the Russian Federation has rejected the appeal complaint against the decision of the Stavropol Territorial Court passed on the lawsuit against the territorial government, which had decided to ban wearing hijabs (Muslim headscarves) in schools, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Murad Musaev, who is representing the interests of three villagers from Irgakly, Stavropol Territory, namely: Alina Suleimanova, a 10-form pupil, Muslim Suleimanov and Arifulla Adjimanbetov, in February 2013 filed a lawsuit with the Stavropol Territorial Court, in which he demanded to annul the resolution of the government of the Stavropol Territory of October 31, 2012 "On approval of basic requirements for school clothes and appearance of pupils" in the part that prohibits schoolgirls from wearing religious clothing, religious items and headgear. However, on March 22, the territorial court dismissed Musaev's lawsuit; and he appealed the decision at the SC of the Russian Federation.

Murad Musaev said at today's session that the above resolution has violated the rights of Muslim schoolgirls to the freedom of religion and education.

In their turn, the officials of the territorial government said that wearing hijabs in schools violates the secular character of education.

Thus, the court decision that upholds the governmental resolution has entered into force, the RIA "Novosti" reports.