A group of Muslim women prevented from swimming at Italian beach

A group of Muslim women wearing burkini swimsuits was prevented from swimming at a beach in northeastern Italy, a report said Monday.

Segregated beach and discrimination

The women were prevented from swimming by another group of women in the women-only section of the Lido Pedicin beach, Europe’s only segregated beach, in the Trieste city, according to the state-run ANSA news agency.

Hygiene issue as the reason

The Muslim women were prevented by the group due to “hygiene issue,” the report said.

Request for clarification

Later, the Muslim group asked for clarification from the beach management but they were told that there is no regulation on the issue.

Controversy and public opinion

The incident came a month after Anna Maria Cisint, the mayor of northern Monfalcone town, wrote an open letter to the Muslim community, saying being fully clothed on beaches is “unacceptable.”