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Syria’s new Islamist authorities said women going to public beaches must wear burkinis or other “decent” clothes that cover the body.
Six months after Islamist-led forces toppled longtime Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad, the country’s tourism ministry announced in a statement beachgoers must wear “more decent” clothes, citing the “public’s interest” as a reason.
Women must wear “burkinis or swimwear that covers more of the body” on public beaches, the statement said.
Outside of swimming areas, women must wear loose-fitting clothing while men are not allowed to be topless.
Private beach clubs and venues considered “luxurious” by authorities do not have to abide by the new rules, with the tourism ministry saying “Western swimsuits are allowed” there within the limits of “general morals”.
Other private establishments must follow the modesty rules.
Generally, while out in public, Syrians are asked to “wear loose clothing, cover the shoulders and knees and avoid transparent and tight clothing”, according to the ministry’s statement, which did not specify if and how the rules may be enforced.
The announcement drew mixed reactions from social media users, adding to concerns among some Syrians about their personal freedoms under the new authorities, who took power in December.
