German Defense Minister Snubs Saudis, Refuses to Wear Black Veil
Independent: Angela Merkel’s defense Minister refused to wear abaya, the black full length Muslim dress (similar to Chador in Iran) during her recent official visit in Saudi Arabia. Ursula von der Leyen, the first woman in German history to hold the defence portfolio, was meeting Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman al Saud.
"Of course, I respect the customs of a country," said Ms. Leyen, as quoted in German tabloid Bild, "But for me there are limits to the way I adapt to the country. No woman in my delegation has to wear the abaya. Being able to choose your own clothes is a right for both men and women alike. It annoys me, when women travelling with women are pressured into wearing the abaya."
America's First Lady Michelle Obama, Angela Merkel, Hillary Clinton, Condoleeza Rice and former US First Lady Laura Bush have all done the same and refused to wear veils or body covers in Saudi Arabia.
The oil-rich country is frequently criticised for its human rights record, having executed more than 150 people last year according to Amnesty International.
Conservative Islamists in Iran also pressure foreign female politicians to wear covers while visiting Iran, or censor their images taken in trips outside Iran.
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