New York City will pay $17.5 million Friday to settle a lawsuit brought by two Muslim women who claim their religious rights were violated when they were instructed to remove their hijabs for arrest photos. This was revealed in court records filed.
Jamila Clark and Arwa Aziz sued the city in 2018 after they were arrested for violating an order of protection and ordered to remove their head coverings for mug shots, according to court documents. The city has agreed to a settlement with both parties, taking into account legal and administrative costs, and will allow people who were asked to remove religious head coverings for mug shots between March 2014 and August 2021. The company plans to pay more than $13 million in separate payments. (Related: Biden State Department splashes taxpayer dollars on ‘queer’ Indian Muslim writer)
The New York City Police Department amended its policy in 2020 to allow people to be photographed wearing religious hats as long as their faces are not covered. according to to the New York Times.
A spokesperson for the New York City Attorney’s Office told DCNF, “This settlement represents positive reform for the NYPD.”
“This agreement carefully balances respecting the religious beliefs held by police with the critical need of law enforcement to take arrest photographs,” the spokesperson continued. “This resolution was in the best interest of all parties.”
In New York City, authorities issue protective orders to protect individuals from people who “abuse, harass, intimidate, or intimidate.” according to To the New York City Police Department.
New York City Police Department (NYPD) police officers patrol on motorcycles ahead of US President Joe Biden’s motorcade arriving in New York City on February 26, 2024. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP, Getty) Images)
The NYPD declined to comment and referred the DCNF to the city’s Law Department.
Settlements range from $7,824 to $13,125. according to Go to a website run by a lawyer representing Muslim women. The settlement is subject to approval by Judge Annalisa Torres of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. report.
“When they forced me to take off my hijab, I felt as if I was naked.” According to the New York Times, Ms. Clark “expressed in words how exposed and violated I felt.” I don’t know if I can do it,” he said.
Clark and Aziz’s lawyers estimate that at least 3,600 people will be eligible for compensation under the settlement, the NYT reported.
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