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Third French town bans ‘burkini’ swimwear after tense clash

Third French town bans 'burkini' swimwear after tense clash | iNFOnews.ca
FILE - In this Aug.4 2016 file photo made from video, Nissrine Samali, 20, gets into the sea wearing traditional Islamic dress, in Marseille, southern France. The French resort of Cannes has banned full-body, head-covering swimsuits worn by some Muslim women from its beaches, citing security concerns. A City Hall official said the ordinance, in effect for August, could apply to burkini-style swimsuits. (AP Photo, File)

PARIS – The mayor of a Corsican town has banned full-body swimsuits known as “burkinis” after a clash between local residents and Muslim bathers of North African origin.

Ange-Pierre Vivoni is the latest French mayor to prohibit the swimwear, which is worn by some Muslim women, in the wake of Islamic extremist attacks this summer.

Vivoni said on France-Info radio Monday that the ban in his town of Sisco is aimed at calming religious tensions and protecting Muslims.

The Interior Ministry says a clash Saturday in Sisco that left at least four people injured and three cars torched reportedly started over the presence of women in burkinis.

Cannes and the town of Villeneuve-Loubet also recently banned the burkini. Critics say the bans are discriminatory and could worsen tensions.

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