Muslims In Kosovo Protest Against Head Scarf Ban In Schools

Muslim women protest against the government's decision to ban pupils from wearing head scarves in public schools.

PRISTINA -- Reports from Kosovo say some 5,000 people protested today in the capital, Pristina, against a government decision last month to ban Muslim head scarves in public schools.

Angry protesters with banners that read "Don't use our state against us" and "Communists out" urged the authorities to reverse the recent suspension of several girls from school for wearing head scarves.

The former Serbian province declared independence in 2008, adopting a secular constitution. About 90 percent of its population is Muslim.

compiled from agency reports