'Burkas have no place in our country,' says Germany's Merkel

Burkas "should be banned wherever legally possible. It does not belong in our country," Merkel said to applause.

By REUTERS
Updated: DECEMBER 7, 2016 17:30
Germany's Merkel says burka 'does not belong in our country'
Angela Merkel repeated calls for a burka ban in Germany, telling a convention of her conservative CDU party on Tuesday "a full veil is inappropriate in our country."
"In interpersonal communication, which plays a fundamental role here, we show our face," Merkel said.
Burkas "should be banned wherever legally possible. It does not belong in our country," Merkel said to applause.
Almost exactly one year ago, Merkel's conservatives called for an effective ban on the burka, saying the full body covering worn by some Muslim women should not be worn in public.
Neighboring France adopted a "burka ban" in 2011 but Germany has resisted such a step.