SOFIA, October 1, 2016: Bulgaria's parliament on Friday banned the wearing of face veils in what in what was deemed to be an attempt to boost security in the wake of Islamist militant attacks in Europe.

The "burqa ban" law, pushed by the nationalist Patriotic Front coalition, echoes similar moves in other western European countries such as France, Netherlands, and Belgium who have banned the wearing of burqas or niqabs in public.

People who do not follow the ban face fines of up to 1,500 levs ($857.14) as well as suspension of social benefits. (VOA)