March 24, 2026
We’re excited to bring you closer to the European Court of Human Rights through our brand-new podcast. Join us as we explore key judgments, discuss emerging legal trends, and talk with experts and academics who help make sense of Strasbourg’s evolving jurisprudence. Whether you’re a seasoned legal scholar or just curious about human rights in Europe, our episodes offer insightful, accessible commentary that complements the blog you know and trust.
In this episode of the Strasbourg Observers Podcast, Cathérine Van de Graaf speaks with Eva Brems (Human Rights Centre, Ghent University) about the 2014 S.A.S. v. France judgment before the European Court of Human Rights. They revisit the Court’s controversial acceptance of the face veil ban under the notion of “living together”, discuss the lack of evidence-based reasoning, and the marginalisation of affected women’s voices. The episode also contains reflections on the judgment’s broader impact on what is now referred to as “the procedural turn” and on further debates on religious dress across Europe.
Read more: Looking back at S.A.S. v. France with Eva Brems
Strasbourg Observers is an academic blog that discusses recent developments at the European Court of Human Rights. The editorial team of Strasbourg Observers is based at the Human Rights Centre of Ghent University and the Centre for Government and Law of Hasselt University.
Strasbourg Observers would not be possible without the valued work of countless guest bloggers. Visit the “Contact” page on our website to find out how to become one!
