Niqab banned at public institutions in Tunisia after terror attacks

Tunisia : Tunisia has banned wearing niqab at the public institutions for security reasons after terror attacks, said a report.

The decision by Prime Minister Youssef Chahed comes two days after a suicide bombing in Tunis by a wanted militant.

The witnesses claimed that the suicide bomber was disguised in niqab.

It was the third incident in a week - Islamic State has said it carried out all three attacks - and came as Tunisia prepares for autumn elections.

The country is also at the height of a tourist season in which it hopes to draw record numbers of visitors.

A government official said: "Chahed signed a government decree that bars any person with an undisclosed face from access to public headquarters, administrations, institutions, for security reasons."

The government had lifted ban on niqab in 2011 .

Last year, Denmark introduced a total ban on niqabs and burkas which conceal even more of the face.

The Netherlands has also outlawed face-coverings in public places, including schools, hospitals and public transport.

France banned the wearing of face-covering headwear in public places in 2010, handing out fines to those who break the law.