Muslim woman poses in selfies with protesting anti-Islam group

A Muslim woman determined to show that 'we can live together' has taken photographs of herself at an anti-Muslim demonstration in Belgium.

Zakia Belkhiri takes selfies with a backdrop of anti-Islam protesters. Source: Jürgen Augusteyns

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, spoke with the BBC 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.

Zakia Belkhiri got close and personal with the selfies. Source: Jürgen Augusteyns

Ms Belkhiri told BBC Trending 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."

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.

Protesters find amused by Zakia Belkhiri's bold act of defiance. Source: Jürgen Augusteyns

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.

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