Nadine Osman
A Tunisian French activist was expelled from a courtroom in Nice, France, on January 31 by a judge simply for wearing a hijab. Hager Barkous had attended the hearing of a fellow activist who was on trial for inciting hatred after calling for a boycott of a restaurant owned by Zionists.
Barkous, 31, who leads the association Friends of Palestine, described the situation as unexpected. She explained that she was sitting quietly at the back of the room to show support for her colleague when the judge, Christian Legay, entered and addressed her directly. The judge reportedly said, “You who wear a veil, leave the room now because you are not recognizable and not identifiable.” Initially unaware that the comment was directed at her, Barkous soon realized when others in the courtroom turned to look at her.
“I was stunned,” Barkous said. “The judge then shouted, ‘You get out now! You must leave when I say you get out.’” Despite her protests, she was escorted from the room by four police officers who instructed her to comply with the judge’s order.
In a statement to Anadolu Agency, Barkous expressed her surprise at the experience, noting that she felt discriminated against. “In 2025, in France, I was a victim of discrimination—by a judge, someone meant to uphold justice, liberty, fraternity, and secularism,” she said.
Outside the courtroom, Barkous encountered a group of students, including one veiled girl who appeared upset. The student explained that she had left the courtroom because she was concerned the judge might expel her as well. Barkous reflected on the situation, saying, “This young girl had done nothing wrong—she had simply come to observe the court’s proceedings.”
Barkous has faced other challenges related to her hijab. In 2020, she filed a lawsuit against McDonald’s after being dismissed from her position, a situation she believes was connected to her wearing a hijab. Her experience highlights ongoing issues faced by some Muslim women in France, particularly in work and school environments.
In response to the judge’s actions, three lawyers defending Barkous’ fellow activist raised objections, arguing that the judge’s decision was not justified, as Barkous’ face was uncovered. Despite their efforts, the judge proceeded with the expulsion. Barkous, however, has stated her intention to pursue legal action to address the situation.
“My lawyers and I will not let this go unchallenged,” Barkous said. “We need to address discriminatory attitudes and work toward eliminating Islamophobia.”
Photo: Hager Barkous, a 31-year-old Tunisian-French activist, was expelled from a courtroom in Nice, France, on January 31.(Credit: AA)
