Issued by: Ministry of Justice
PRESS STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, DR AM OMAR MP, REGARDING A REPORT IN THE CAPE ARGUS TODAY, 21 AUGUST 1997, WITH THE HEADING "MAGISTRATE BRINGS FEZ ROW TO A HEAD"
My attention has been drawn to the incident at Mitchells Plain Court, where three Muslim men were asked to remove their fezzes in court.
I am not able to comment on what happened at Mitchells Plain. However, Muslims have worn fezzes in court for a long time already. In my view they have the right to wear their fezzes, in the same way that Jews have the right to wear their skull caps in court.
I shall be raising the matter with the Chief Magistrate, Mitchells Plain.
Issued by Paul Setsetse on behalf of Minister Omar Tel: 457506 Cell: 083 252 4770 Cape Town 21.08.97