Women in London protest burkini ban in solidarity with 'veiled sisters'

Dozens of women and girls have gathered outside the French embassy in London on Thursday (25 August 2016) to protest against a decision by some French cities to ban the burkini, a type of swimsuit worn by some Muslim women.

The burkini covers the entire body with the exception of the feet, face and hands. Some people have pointed out that rather than being a symbol of modesty, the garment is offensive and it represses Muslim women.

More than 30 French towns have followed the Riviera town of Villeneuve-Loubet, west of Nice, in imposing the ban, sparking debate on freedom of religion, women's rights and the integration of France's Muslim community.

The ban came after a series of terror attacks by Islamic fundamentalists that have left France in a state of heightened tension.

IBTimes UK interviewed some organisers and attendees of the Wear What You Want Beach Party, which happened days after French police forced a veiled woman on a beach in southern France to remove her clothes.

France's highest administrative court is to rule on whether to overturn the ban after the Human Rights League appealed against a ruling by a lower court, which upheld the ban imposed on beaches in Villeneuve-Loubet.

The Nice tribunal ruled the ban was "necessary, appropriate and proportionate" following a series of terror attacks by Islamic extremists, including the Bastille Day attack in the city on 14 July, in which 84 people were killed.