Martial arts, Islam clash in Sweden

From The Local:

Eleven Iranian woman were prevented from competing at the Konishi Cup karate championships in Kalmar at the beginning of August after they refused to remove their Muslim veils.

Despite travelling to Sweden solely to take part in the event, the women ended up watching the competition from the stands when head referee Javier Escalante declined to give them a special dispensation, Sveriges Radio reports.

Escalante pointed instead to the rulebook, which clearly states that all competitors are forbidden to wear jewelry, necklaces or headgear.

All dressed up and nowhere to go.