Photos of a Muslim woman taking selfies with a group of anti-Islam protesters in Belgium have been widely shared on social media.
Zakia Belkhiri, 22, after images began circulating online of her posing in a hijab in front of demonstrators from anti-Muslim group Vlaams Belang, who were rallying near a Muslim expo.
The protesters held posters reading "stop Islam”, “no headscarves” and “no mosques” - although some evidently found humour in her bold move.
Ms Belkhiri her goal was to show "that things can be different. And that we can live together, not next to each other but with each other."
Zakia Belkhiri got close and personal with the selfies. Source: Jürgen Augusteyns
She said she didn’t think the selfies were a form of protest but to "share joy and peace".
Photographer Jürgen Augusteyns took the pictures and said despite there being 40 protesters, it was dull until Ms Belkhiri appeared and began taking selfies.
About 15 per cent of Belgians associate themselves to the Islamic faith, but the terror attacks on Brussels airport have led to more support for far-right groups, according to the BBC.
Protesters find amused by Zakia Belkhiri's bold act of defiance. Source: Jürgen Augusteyns
Zakia Belkhiri took the selfies near an annual Muslim Expo in Belgium. Source: Jürgen Augusteyns
There were about 40 people demonstrating. Source: Jürgen Augusteyns
Zakia Belkhiri took the selfies because she wanted to share "joy and peace". Source: Jürgen Augusteyns
Zakia Belkhiri goes closer to the group of demonstrators. Source: Jürgen Augusteyns
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