Sharia is nothing in particular, say Islamic apologists in the West, and certainly nothing to be concerned about. One problem with this claim is that wherever we see Sharia put into practice, it has the same character, and it institutionalizes the oppression of women. Sharia Alert from Afghanistan: “Helmand sacking over female singers without headscarves,” by Bilal Sarwary for BBC News, March 28 (thanks to Twostellas):
The deputy governor of Helmand province has been sacked for organising a concert that featured female performers without headscarves.
Afghanistan’s President Hamid Karzai took the action against Abdul Satar Mirzakwal after tribal elders complained that it was inappropriate.
The concert attracted about 12,000 people and was hailed as a success by local authorities….
The concert featured two female singers – Farzana Naz and Rita Wagma – who appeared on stage without headscarves.
But officials in the country’s Supreme Court said that Mr Karzai took action after hearing complaints from tribal elders.
“Women do not appear in public without wearing a burka and niqab in an Islamic country like Afghanistan,” one official, who wished to remain unnamed, said.
“Mirzakwal should have ensured respect for Islamic traditions.”…