His lawyers have said that the attack was linked to the debate over whether a prosecution witness should be allowed to testify in the full veil.
The 36-year-old woman had applied to the judge, saying that she would feel uncomfortable and exposed without the veil. However, the move was opposed by defence lawyers who argued that the jury would not be able to read her facial expressions.
The judge is expected to hand down her decision next week, but in the meantime the prime minister Julia Gillard has weighed in, saying that the veil should be removed in court. [telegraph.co.uk] Read more
