Scarf rally in Scottish capital

About 250 protesters have demonstrated outside the French Consulate in Edinburgh against plans to ban the wearing of headscarves in France’s state schools.

The protest was organised by the Muslim Association of Britain (MAB) as part of an international day of action.

Other campaigners travelled from Scotland to join a march in London.

The association said it was encouraging non-Muslims to wear headscarves in the Scottish capital to show “solidarity” with those in France.

Organisers said 25 protests were planned across the world, including London, Paris and several other French cities.

BBC News, 17 January 2004