Swimwear ban for women in Syria: Al-Sharaa administration intervenes

In Syria, the Syrian Interim Government, led by Islamist militant leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, has banned women from using public beaches and swimming pools unless they wear swimwear that fully covers the body, such as a burkini. The introduction of such a ban, which did not exist during the Assad administration, has caused outrage in the country.

The decision, published this week by the Ministry of Tourism, is the first official regulation regarding women's clothing since the fall of the Assad administration in December. The decree stated that the use of "Western-style swimwear" remains permitted in private clubs and luxury hotels.

In this new decree dated June 9, it was stated that "appropriate swimwear that respects the sensitivities of different segments of society" must be used at public beaches and swimming pools.

PERMITTED IN 5-STAR HOTELS

The decree also added that women must wear an abaya or loose clothing over their swimwear while moving between the beach and their homes.

Men are also prohibited from walking around with their chests exposed outside of swimming areas. Wearing a t-shirt has been made mandatory in areas outside of swimming zones, such as hotel lobbies and restaurants.

More flexible rules were set for five-star hotels and private beaches. In such venues, the use of normal swimwear is permitted, provided that it remains "within the bounds of public morality and general taste."

News Source: 12punto