Vincent Brengarth, the lawyer for the Muslim Rights Action (ADM), filed an appeal Friday with the Council of State to seek the suspension of the ban on the abaya -- a loose-fitting, full-length robe worn by some Muslim students at school -- which he said violates "several fundamental freedoms."

A session was held at the court to evaluate the ADM's appeal which took nearly two hours. Following the session, Brengarth said the court would deliver the verdict in two days.

He noted the escalation concerning the debate about whether the abaya is a religious sign.

Barring students from entering schools because of the abaya is a violation of privacy and personal freedom, said Brengarth.

Noting that some students were not allowed in schools Monday, he said it is not the Department of Education's to decide whether or not something is religious.

The controversial move sparked a backlash against the government, which has been criticized in recent years for targeting Muslims with statements and policies, including raids on mosques and charitable foundations, and an "anti-separatism" law that imposes broad restrictions on the community.

Source: Agencies