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The police did not fine the protesters or intervene. Under the new law, protesters who cover their faces while peacefully exercising their right of expression are exempt from ban.

The protest began near Mjolnerparken, a housing complex heavily populated by immigrants, which the government has described as a “ghetto” and “parallel society” because of crime and lack of integration. The protest finished with a human chain near one of Copenhagen’s main police stations.

Some carried posters with the messages, “Fingers away from my niqab” and “My clothes, my choice.”

Photo by Mads Claus Rasmussen/Ritzau Scanpix via AP

A group called Kvinder i Dialog, which means Women in Dialogue, helped organize the demonstrations. On social media it said the new law “discriminates, criminalizes and suppresses a minority — Danish Muslim women.” Only about 200 women in Denmark are believed to wear the face veil, according to Danish researchers.

One protester, Sabina, 21, a student teacher who declined to give her last name because other members of Women in Dialogue have received threats, called the law oppressive and Islamophobic.

“I’m not going to take my niqab off, but will try to continue my education. To wear the niqab is a spiritual choice and now a sign of protest,” she said. “The only result of this law is that we’re going to stick more firmly to our faith and niqab and encourage more women to wear it.”

It's illogical to say you want to liberate women by force or fines. I refuse to believe the politicians have women's best interests in mind

She said she planned to continue to protest, waiting to see when police issue the first fine. First-time offenders face fines of 1,000 Danish kroner, around $150. Fake beards, balaclavas and other face masks are also banned.