InfoAnda - Student's headscarf sparks debate over Kosovo identity

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Singapore hails 'breakthrough' summit with US, Myanmar | 11 November 2009
US ranks 28th in Internet connection speed: report | 26 August 2009
Bruno Mars strikes out on his own with Doo-Wops | | 5 October 2010

Zac Efron And Breckin Meyer Spoof Perez Hilton's Video Tirade | 28 June 2009

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Student's headscarf sparks debate over Kosovo identity

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Asia Pacific World Student's headscarf sparks debate over Kosovo identity AFP - Tuesday, May 18 Send IM Story Print Arjeta Halim reads the Koran at a mosque in the town of Vitina in April 2010. The 17-year-old has not allowed since January 2009 to go to the high school in Vitina as she refuses to take off her headscarf. The school arguesthey are respecting Kosovo's constitution, which clearly separates religion and state. DROBESH, Kosovo (AFP) - – Sitting at home when she ought to be at school, Arjeta Halimi cuts an unlikely figure at the heart of a debate over identity, religion and education in Muslim-majority Kosovo. Aged 17, the student from Drobesh in eastern Kosovo has not been allowed to attend school in nearby Vitina since January last year because she refuses to take off her headscarf. While societies in western Europe grapple with the question of whether to allow Muslim women to wear the burka or niqab, which cover the face, in this Balkans nation the issue has boiled down to a simple headscarf. Halimi wears a scarf that covers her hair and shoulders, framing her face. It appears to be her personal choice, as none of her four younger sisters wear one. "I was told by security guards that I could not enter the school premises with my headscarf," she told AFP in an interview in the living room where shyly but politely she answers journalists' questions. "They said they were instructed by the school principal. I refused to take it off and have not been able to return to the school since." Halimi has a court ruling in her favour, but the school is still refusing Halimi access. They argue they are respecting the constitution, which clearly separates religion and state. "It's a secular state, with secular schools. We follow the constitution," Vitina's education director Fehri Qerimi said. Kosovo is westernized and despite its overwhelming Muslim majority, Islamic headscarves are still the exception. While there is no specific legislation banning headscarves in school, many feel the practice would breach the constitution, which describes Kosovo as a secular state "neutral in matters of religious beliefs." Others argue that under freedom of worship, Halimi has the constitutional right to wear a garment she feels is an expression of her religious identity. "It is a severe abuse of (her) human rights," said Fehim Abazi, grand imam of the Muslim community in Vitina. Although other female students in the past have been barred from school for refusing to remove their headscarf, this is the first case since Kosovo broke from Serbia in February 2008. Since the declaration of independence Kosovo has striven for international acceptance. The former Serbian province is currently recognised by 68 nations, including the United States and most European Union member states. And Halimi's case echoes others in EU nations. In Spain, a girl was banned from a Madrid school for refusing to take off her scarf, while in France and Belgium, legislation is being introduced banning the burka, the full Islamic veil. The difference is that in those countries Muslims are a minority: in Kosovo, more than 90 percent of the population of two million are Muslim. It was Halimi's father who took her case to court with the help of a human rights group, CLARD: the Center for Legal Aid and Regional Development. After the November 2009 hearings, "the court recognized Arjeta's right to attend classes despite wearing the headscarf," Myrvete Bytyci of CLARD said. In its ruling, the court referred to children's rights to education and to freedom of religion. Despite that, the school is still refusing to take Halimi back, saying they are waiting for direct orders from the authorities. CLARD says the authorities and education ministry are dragging their feet. The school rebuffs the criticism, insisting Halimi can pursue schooling if she wants. "We haven't refused her right to education as she is allowed to take exams. We consider her as our child and do not want to expel her from the education process," Qerimi told AFP. Meanwhile, Halimi remains stuck at home. She spends most of her time doing household chores, attending religious classes at the local mosque and studying Islam's holy book, the Koran. She has bought schoolbooks and is planning to take her final exams even if she is not allowed to attend classes. "I do not want to take off the headscarf," she insisted. "It is part of my identity." Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles Iran's Kiarostami impresses Cannes AFP - 45 minutes ago US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary Reuters - 2 hours 8 minutes ago Fox rolls out four new comedies Reuters - 2 hours 9 minutes ago Fox shakes up "Idol", makes Simon replacement priority Reuters - Tuesday, May 18 Morocco resists Islamist calls to ban Elton John Reuters - Tuesday, May 18 News Search Top Stories Germany steps up demands for debt cutting campaign Cannes films tap drama of financial crisis Oceans' fish could disappear in 40 years: UN Tube suctioning one-fifth of spewing oil: BP executive Greece PM says 'not begging' ahead of EU loan More Top Stories » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended Boy survivor of Libya air crash 'stable but confused' Prudential eyes record takeover of Asian insurer Portugal takes more austerity measures Euro hits four-year dollar low, stocks mixed Asia steps into Cannes spotlight More Most Viewed » Scientists stunned as grey whale sighted off Israel Lack of sleep linked to early death: study UN fears 'irreversible' damage to natural environment Earth may be too hot for humans by 2300: study Freddie Mac asks for fresh 10.6 billion dollar bailout More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos World Cup 2010 Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Tuesday, 18 May 2010
US says Iran nuclear deal will not halt new sanctions drive
Iran makes nuclear offer, but West unconvinced
Floods kill six as rains batter Europe
US-TECH Summary
Germany steps up demands for debt cutting campaign
Microsoft to pay VirnetX 200 million dollars in patent case
Greece PM says 'not begging' ahead of EU loan
Iraq official alleges Qaeda plotted World Cup attack |
Cannes films tap drama of financial crisis
Swedish court orders release of filesharer identities
Oceans' fish could disappear in 40 years: UN
Russia's Medvedev cozies up to Ukraine with visit |
Electronics makers face shortage of LCD panels for TV: Sharp
Tube suctioning one-fifth of spewing oil: BP executive
Homebuilder Sentiment Ticks Higher In May
Cops and narcos playground games for Mexico kids |
Top U.S. carriers plot faster gadgets, services
AHN | All Headline News | News service for the digital world. News for web, wireless and digital signage.
GM returns to profit in 2010 first quarter
High Court Bans Life Without Parole for Youthful Criminals
Lowe's Q1 Profit Tops Estimates, Guidance Disappoints
Six Chinese women hurt in cleaver attack: report |
Something Corporate Announce Reunion Tour Dates
YouTube Daily Downloads Reach More Than 2 Billion
Yemen launches operation to free hostages: website |
Country Music Stars Raise $1.7 Million For Nashville Flood Victims
Metric Talks Writing Theme Song For "Eclipse" Soundtrack
BREAKING: Supreme Court Rules Sex Offenders Can Be Held Indefinitely
Sleep Apnea Shown To Increase Insulin Resistance
BP says tube is containing one fifth of oil spill
Rapper Pitbull Cancels Arizona Tour Date In Protest Of Immigration Laws
Search for downed Afghan plane to resume at dawn
UN urges Thailand to 'step back from brink'
Thai Red Shirt offers ceasefire as deadline passes
Afghan passenger plane crashes with 44 on board
Thai troops close in on protest encampment
U.S. court won't hear Cablevision/FCC must-carry case |
At least 35 die as Maoists blow up bus in India
1 American on Afghan plane that crashed
Afghan troops free kidnapped UN workers
China boosts US debt holdings for first time in six months
Six Chinese women hurt in cleaver attack
Nissan says to sell Leaf electric car for under 30,000 euros
Rebels blow up bus in India, killing at least 35
Japan escalates fight against foot-and-mouth
Samsung Electronics announces record spending
Indonesian filmmaker documents Obama's childhood
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Fox shakes up "Idol", makes Simon replacement priority
Fox shakes up Idol, makes Simon replacement priority |
Morocco resists Islamist calls to ban Elton John
Morocco resists Islamist calls to ban Elton John |
U.S. court won't hear Cablevision/FCC must-carry case
Fox rolls out four new comedies |
Movie mutts in Cannes dog fight
Frears takes comic strip 'Tamara Drewe' to Cannes
U.S. court won't hear Cablevision/FCC must-carry case |
Behind joy, anger at oil companies boils in Louisiana
YouTube serving up two billion videos daily
S.Lanka seeks harmony between elephants and humans
Student's headscarf sparks debate over Kosovo identity
Suicide attack kills over 20 in Afghan capital
Saudis free two German girls kidnapped in Yemen
Thai troops close in on protest encampment |
Nintendo, American heart group join to tackle obesity
Jailed Russian oil tycoon declares hunger strike
Announcement possible as North Korea recalls parliament |
MySpace simplifies settings as Facebook criticised
Suicide bomb kills 20 in Afghan capital
Euro chief backs EU plans to vet national budgets
E-readers, tablet computers set to take off: BCG survey
Rescuers resume search for crashed Afghan plane
Nickelodeon To Air 18th Season Of "Power Rangers" In 2011
"The Graduate" Director Mike Nichols To Receive AFI Life Achievement Award
China jails tycoon Huang 14 years for illegal business dealings |
Google faces probes over data it collected: report
Spike TV's "Guy's Choice" To Present Comedy Award To Chris Rock
Israel plays wargame assuming Iran has nuclear bomb
China targets Tibet artists, intellectuals: report |
Two Children Choke To Death On Chinese Made Toy Darts; Prompts Nationwide Recall
Immigration Court Grants Obama’s Aunt's Second Asylum Bid
Israel plays wargame assuming Iran has nuclear bomb |
First Lady Michelle Obama Announces New Weight Loss Partnership
President Obama Nominates Pistole To Lead The TSA
U.S. Markets Rally Positive On Euro Bounce
India to review anti-Maoist strategy
Two U.S. senators in jeopardy on big day of voting
At least 3 dead in suicide car bomb in Kabul
Google faces probes over data it collected: report |
Bomb attack kills 12 in Pakistan town: doctor
Malaysia expects Indonesia to end freeze on maids
Nippon Steel and Ternium to set up plant in Mexico
India struggles to count its millions
Woman dies after latest China cleaver attack
Japan PM admits fault in handling cattle disease
Bomb kills 11 people in northwestern Pakistan
Euro remains under pressure in Asia
Suicide bomber kills 12 people in NW Pakistan
Seoul shares extend losses; Hynix, Kia Motors drop
JAL eyes return to operating profit: report
Sheen returns to "Two and a Half Men": reports
BoJ to offer low-rate growth-boost loans: report
PREVIEW-New Zealand to raise spending modestly and cut taxes
UK director Frears tackles comic adaptation
Frothy "Heartbeats" fun, if not taken too seriously
Cannes films mine financial collapse for material
Vatican defence in US abuse case draws angry response
Chinese appliance tycoon jailed for 14 years
Cannes zooms in on Iran's troubled filmmakers
Studio loses key ruling in battle with soul icon
US Commerce Secretary leads trade mission to China
Spanish film "Biutiful" stands out in Cannes crowd
Spanish film Biutiful stands out in Cannes crowd |
VH1 airs Bret Michaels special, delays reality show
Sheen returns to Two and a Half Men: reports |
PAKISTAN
Cannes films mine financial collapse for material |
Studio loses key ruling in battle with soul icon |
UK director Frears tackles comic adaptation |
Sarah McLachlan says Lilith sales pretty soft |
Frothy Heartbeats fun, if not taken too seriously |
VH1 airs Bret Michaels special, delays reality show |
Greece gets first 14.5 bln euros of EU rescue loans
France frees Iranian killer amid deal controversy
Google offers $68.2m for Norwegian GIPS
Suicide attacker kills at least 18 in Afghan capital |
Greece gets first 14.5 bln euros of EU rescue loans
Major powers agree on Iran resolution: Clinton |
Turkey working to reach 30 trapped after mine blast
EU-Latin America summit opens with trade deal
Egyptians go online to seek political change
Vodafone profit almost trebles to £8.6 billion
BBC says sorry for queen death joke
US Officials Visit Pakistan; Discuss NY Bombing Attempt
France releases Iranian assassin amid deal controversy
Google buys Norwegian audio-video tech provider
EU-Latin America summit opens in Madrid
Russia woos Ukraine on security bloc |
Multi-Album Series “NOW 34” And Patriotic Country Collection To Be Released June 15
Microsoft adds new tools, features to Hotmail
France releases Iranian killer of ex-PM
Third German child taken in Yemen thought dead: family
Karzai says West starts to get Taliban peace push |
Former New York City Police Commissioner Kerik Begins Prison Term
Iran awaits quick response to nuclear deal
U.S. Army Recalling 44,000 Defective Combat Helmets
Study: End Of Smallpox Vaccinations Aided HIV Spread
Britain's Labour opts for long leadership contest |
Arkansas, Kentucky, Pennsylvania Hold Primaries
Airline group blasts European handling of volcanic ash |
Financial Crisis Leads Couple To Suicide Pact
Russia mine boss faces charges after Putin rebuke |
Processed Meats Up Risks Of Heart Disease And Diabetes, Researchers Say
Study: 9/11 Workers Lost Ability To Smell, Detect Irritants
Detained Kuwaiti blogger ends hunger strike: lawyer |
Charlie Sheen Signs Deal With “Two And A Half Men” For 2 More Years
Experts: India becoming dumping ground for e-waste
India offers talks if Maoist rebels stop attacks
Landslide kills 4 Indonesian gold miners
Thai govt says no peace talks unless protests end
Chinese tycoon jailed for graft
Search continues for downed Afghan passenger plane
Taliban suicide bomb hits NATO convoy, kills 18
Google buys Norwegian audio-video tech provider |
Don't trust politicians: Aussie opposition leader
Egyptians go online to seek political change |
LED market faces bright outlook but hurdles remain |
Pakistani stocks, o/n rates end up; rupee weakens
China expects inflation to rise in May, June
Mitsubishi UFJ returns to profitability
Sina's 1Q profit surges on equity gain
US trade mission to China pushes clean energy
China Telecom to sell BlackBerry Storm
Chinese appliance tycoon jailed for 14 years
Rocker Costello cancels Israel gig
Japan banking group Mitsubishi UFJ back in profit
Algeria's Islamist violence stirs Cannes
Zhang Ziyi stars as AIDS patient in new China film
Cannes film market enthusiasm tempered by caution
Shark bite surf princess still making waves
Immigration Court Grants Obama’s Aunt's Second Asylum Bid
Cannes film market enthusiasm tempered by caution |
Placido Domingo says in good health after surgery |
Iranian director says art is under attack at home |
Cannes film follows French monks killed in Algeria |
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01