Armed police officers forced a woman at a Nice beach to
remove some of her clothing as part of the French city's controversial ban on
the burkini.
The photos show officers, armed with guns and batons,
standing around the woman, who was lying on the beach in a blue headscarf and a
matching top.
After the woman takes off her full-sleeved tunic, an officer
is seen crouching beside her writing what appears to be a note or fine
Photos of the incident quickly did the rounds on social
media, sparking outrage in many quarters and support in others.
Nice is one of 15 towns that have banned the burkini, a
full-length swimsuit that covers the whole body except for the face, hands and
feet. It's favored by many Muslim women, but officials say the ban is a
response to growing terror concerns.
The incident in Nice took place at the city's Promenade des
Anglais, site of last month's Bastille Day truck attack.
Nice authorities say the police officers were simply
exercising their duties. Christian Estrosi, deputy major of Nice, denounced the
photos saying they put the officers in danger, CNN reports.
"I condemn these unacceptable provocations," he
said.
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