Chairman of the Human Rights Council Valery Fadeev called for a ban on niqabs in Russia, citing local residents’ dissatisfaction with the activities of mosques and possible “motivated” fears of security forces. The essence of these fears, he said, is that the emergence of “ethnic MMA clubs” could “lead to extremism”, and migrants from them could “be preparing for something very bad.”

Wearing a traditional element of clothing among some Muslim peoples, according to the head of the Presidential Human Rights Council, is a “problem” that requires a solution. Fadeev called for following the example of some Central Asian countries where niqabs, burkas and burqas are prohibited. “I will discuss this issue with representatives of traditional Islam and regional authorities,” Fadeev promised. He also drew attention to “another problem: niqabs that completely cover the face are allowed in Russia.”

First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Nationalities Affairs Ildar Gilmutdinov, in an interview with the National News Service, said that such radical measures regarding Muslim women's clothing in Russia are fraught with possible negative consequences.

“Wearing niqabs is not yet so widespread. Today, to a greater extent, we need to talk with the leaders of religious organizations, our federal religious bodies. Through them, it is possible to carry out targeted work related to the inadmissibility of wearing niqabs. Ethnic groups have public associations with which we should be more actively in contact. Perhaps we shouldn’t escalate the situation now; won’t we increase negative emotions in our direction from the Islamic world?” the deputy noted.