Algeria interior ministry did not require taking off veil in biometric photos: source

Algeria did not require taking off veil and to shave beard for biometric passport photos, said a source at the interior ministry.

• “The Algerian interior minister talked to prefects about the importance of the system without mentioning veil or beard,” the same source told Echorouk.
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• “It called on the Algerian religious affairs ministry to ask imams and scientific councils about the religious point of you in public opinion issues.”
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• Previously, Algerian interior minister Nourredine Yazid Zerhouni held a meeting with prefects to explain the biometric system. The source says, he did not talk about taking off veil nor did he say men must shave their beards. “He just explained the technical measures meant for the smooth running of this system.”
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• “The minister said this system is important for international security and safety. Because of that, we should be in conformity with standards.”
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• Earlier on Tuesday, the ministry issued a release about the issue but it did not say whether it required photos without veil and beard.
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• Algeria News Agency (APS) reported on March 29th that Zerhouni said photo in biometric passport and national identity card has to be clear and in conformity with international laws and data.
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• In his meeting with prefects, the minister said there was no problem in the digital photo for veiled women. “Female employees have been assigned to deal with veiled women to take biometric and electronic national card and passport. This is meant to make veiled women feel respected when she is asked to take off her veil for the photo.”
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• Press attaché at the religious affairs ministry Ada Fellahi said the minister’s statements were misunderstood because his prerogatives are administrative and not religious.
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• “Each ministry has its prerogatives and the State’s institutions can not be in contradiction,” he added.
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• He also said the issue of biometric photos is presented on the public opinion in this way. Imams and scientific councils will say its word according to religion. 
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