Switzerland halts citizenship process for Muslim family

April 19, 2016 23:31

Switzerland has suspended the citizenship process for the family of two teenage Muslim brothers after the boys' refusal to shake hands with their female teachers sparked a national debate over religious freedoms.

The brothers, aged 14 and 15, had informed education officials in the northern municipality of Therwil that physical contact with women who are not family members violated their faith.

They were then exempted from a Swiss custom of pupils shaking teachers' hands, with Therwil officials instructing them to avoid contact with male teachers as well to avoid gender discrimination.

But the compromise sparked a heated response from leading Swiss politicians including Justice Minister Simonetta Sommaruga who insisted that "shaking hands is part of (Swiss) culture".

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Another Indian arrested in Canada in Nijjar murder case

Amardeep Singh, 22, a resident of Brampton, Surrey, and Abbotsford areas of Canada, has been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

Play-off berth sealed, KKR's winning mantra revealed!

The key to Kolkata Knight Riders success this season lies in their players' newfound ability to support each other through highs and lows, something that was "missing" over the past two years, feels the team's vice-captain Nitish Rana.

Ananya, Suhana, AbRam Cheer KKR!

Co-owner Shah Rukh Khan was not present at the Eden Gardens but his kids Suhana and AbRam cheered for the Knights from the stands.

'Mummy Was Truly Our Universe'

To share your Mother's Day story with us, please mail us at getahead@rediff.co.in (subject: Mother's Day) along with your name, the place where you live, your mother's name and picture and your message about your mom.

Starc Or Varma: Whose Run Out Was Better?

There were some magical moments in the field from both teams that brought fans and franchise owners to their feet.