Armeena Khan calls out former foreign secretary on burka comment

Johnson drew ire for comparing burqa clad women to 'letter boxes' and 'bank robbers'

Armeena Khan on Wednesday called out former London mayor, Boris Johnson, on his derogatory remarks about women who opt for "full-faced veils".

Taking to Twitter, the 31-year-old actor emphasised on a woman's right to wear whatever she feels comfortable in.

"Yet another privileged middle-aged bloke telling women what they can and can’t wear. If a woman wants to wear a burqa, it’s her right Mr Boris Johnson. It is her RIGHT to choose which goes hand in hand with British values," wrote the Pakistani-Canadian star.

https://twitter.com/ArmeenaRK/status/1027187568499220481



"If a woman wants to wear a short dress, it is her right and freedom to do so. If a woman wants to wear a burqa it is her right to do so. I will defend the basic principle which is the right to choose," added the Janaan actor.

https://twitter.com/ArmeenaRK/status/1027189191585751040

In an interview with Daily Telegraph, Johnson said full-face veils should not be banned in Denmark but mentioned he found it "absolutely ridiculous" that women choose to "go around looking like letter boxes". He also compared them to "bank robbers".

A source close to Johnson said, "We must not fall into the trap of shutting down the debate on difficult issues. We have to call it out. If we fail to speak up for liberal."



Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May said, “I think Boris Johnson used language in describing people’s appearance that has obviously caused offence. It was the wrong language to use. He should not have used it."

She noted that women should not be answerable to anyone if they wish to wear a burqa. Full-face coverings such as niqabs and burqas are a polarising issue across Europe, with some arguing that they symbolise discrimination against women and should be outlawed. The clothing has already been banned in France.

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