(English) Moment ARMED police confront burkini-wearing woman on French beach

The mother and former air-hostess from Toulouse whose family members have been French citizens for at least three generations claimed she wasn’t fully aware of the ban in the area.

The woman, who was wearing leggings, a top and a headscarf said: “I wasn’t even planning to swim, just to dip my feet.”

The items of clothing made Siam feel comfortable and meant she was not exposed to the afternoon sun last Tuesday.

The beachwear does not cover the face either and is worn by non-Muslims who want protection from the sun, but critics claim it is provocative.

She was handed an on-the-spot fine of around nine pounds and her details were recorded on what will amount a criminal record.

Siam continued: “Today we are not allowed on the beach. Tomorrow, the street? Tomorrow, we’ll be forbidden from practicing our religion at all?”

“I’m in the country of human rights.

“I see no trace of the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity. I am outraged that this could happen in France.”

Mathilde Cusin, a journalist with the France 4 TV channel who witnessed the entire incident, said: “I saw three police officers watching the beach.

“One of them had his finger on the trigger of his tear gas device no doubt containing pepper.”

Cusin claims she had witnessed people in local area shouting abuse at the woman and telling her she was not welcome in France and to “go home”.

Heavily-armed police have been sweeping beaches in France to uphold the ban on burkinis.