Dutch Muslim Lawyer Cleared of Contempt For Refusing To Stand, Wearing Hat

In the Netherlands, the appeals chamber of the Bar Association's disciplinary council has acquitted Muslim lawyer Mohammed Enait on three contempt of court charges. NIS today reports that one charge involved Enait's refusal to rise, as is customary, when the judge enters the courtroom. Enait says that his Muslim religion teaches that everyone is equal, and rising would mean he is subservient. He was also charged because he wears an Islamic head covering in court, and because of comments he made about a judge during a TV talk show.