Models clad in burqas, niqabs walk the ramp at Copenhagen Fashion Week

In protest of Denmark's ban on Islamic face coverings, models clad in burqas and niqabs strutted down the runway at Copenhagen Fashion Week, reported Mail Online.

Iranian-born designer Reza Etamadi made headlines as he showcased his brand titled MUF10 yesterday, days after the law came into effect on August 1. "I have a duty to support all women's freedom of speech and thought," expressed Etamadi.

The designer went on to say that by enforcing the ban, authorities were violating women's rights and "the free choice we in the Western world are known for and proud to have."

His show included women in full-body garments and a model wearing a hijab alongside which, other models stood dressed as police officers. The provocative display also featured piles of flowers and two masked men sitting on the ground in handcuffs next to the 'policemen'.

The policewoman has been captured hugging one of the niqab-wearing models, also handing her some flowers. The said hug may be possibly reenacting a similar scene when protester Ayah, 37, wept as she was embraced by a police officer during a demonstration on August 1.

Denmark's much-debated 'Burqa Ban' prohibits burqas and niqab in public places. Protesters wearing said coverings marched in Copenhagen on August 1 to protest against the laws that had been enforced.

Hundreds of demonstrators, most with children, marched in solidarity with Muslim women despite risking fines of 1,000 kroner (£120) or jail time.  Non-niqab-wearing Muslim women and non-Muslim Danes with faces masked or covered also took part.

Swiss government rejects proposed burqa ban

Restrictions on Islamic face veils were approved by MPs in May after being brought forward by the country's centre-right coalition, known for tightening asylum and immigration rules in recent years. Anyone forcing a person to wear garments covering the face by using force or threats can be fined or face up to two years in prison.

Austria, France and Belgium have similar bans, claiming they are not aimed at any religion in particular, and don't ban headscarves, turbans or the traditional Jewish skull cap.

As of 2017, non-Western immigrants, about half of whom are Muslim, account for 8.7% of Denmark's 5.7 million population.

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