Chad police arrest 62 women for wearing full veils

Chad police arrested 62 women for wearing full veils in public as the country steps up security against extremism following a multiple suicide bombing attack, the police spokesman said Thursday.

The first major arrests of women for the veil ban have been carried out in the capital, N’djamena, since Wednesday in line with anti-terrorism measures, he said. Chadian authorities banned wearing full veils or burkas in public places in June to prevent jihadi attacks, especially by Nigerian Islamic extremists Boko Haram.

The women will be released after paying a 100,000 CFA ($170) fine, he said, adding that if they are repeatedly arrested they will be charged with complicity with jihadis.