Categories: World

New York City Will Pay A Massive $17.5 Million Over Forcing Women To Remove Hijab For Mug Shots

New York City has reached a settlement agreement of $17.5 million in response to a lawsuit brought forth by two Muslim-American women who alleged that the police violated their rights by demanding the removal of their hijabs before being photographed upon arrest. The preliminary settlement, which is considered a class action, encompasses individuals, both men and women, who were compelled to remove religious attire for photography purposes.

Filed in Manhattan federal court on Friday (local time), the settlement necessitates approval from US District Judge Analisa Torres. After deducting legal fees and costs, the payouts are estimated to amount to approximately $13.1 million and could potentially increase if a significant number of the over 3,600 eligible class members file claims. Each recipient stands to receive between $7,824 and $13,125.

READ MORE: New York Witnesses Second Earthquake Of 4.0 Hours After 4.8 Magnitude Tremors Leaves The City Shaken   

The resolution stems from a lawsuit initiated in 2018 by Jamilla Clark and Arwa Aziz, who asserted that they experienced shame and trauma when compelled by the police to remove their hijabs for mugshots in Manhattan and Brooklyn, respectively, the previous year. Both individuals had been arrested for allegedly violating orders of protection, which they deemed baseless. Their legal representatives likened the act of removing the hijabs to a strip search. “When they forced me to take off my hijab, I felt as if I were naked,” remarked Clark in a statement provided by her attorneys. “I’m not sure if words can capture how exposed and violated I felt.”

In response to the lawsuit, the New York Police Department agreed in 2020 to allow individuals, irrespective of gender, to retain head coverings during mugshots, provided that their faces remained visible. Nicholas Paolucci, a spokesperson for the city’s law department, stated, “This settlement resulted in a positive reform for the NYPD. The agreement carefully balances the department’s respect for firmly held religious beliefs with the important law enforcement need to take arrest photos.” The revised policy also encompassed other religious headwear such as wigs and yarmulkes worn by Jews, and turbans worn by Sikhs.

Ashish Kumar Singh

Recent Posts

What Is Typhon Missile System? Philippines Announces Plans To Buy The Weapons System From US

The Philippines has confirmed plans to acquire the US-made Typhon missile system, a move that…

1 hour ago

KJS Cement Case: SC Refuses To Quash 2nd FIR Against Pawan Kumar Ahluwalia

The Supreme Court of India declined to intervene in a case involving Pawan Kumar Ahluwalia…

1 hour ago

Honda And Nissan Outline Ambitious Path To Merger In Industry Restructuring

Japanese car manufacturers Honda and Nissan have announced intentions to combine forces, paving the way…

1 hour ago

Lakshmi Puri Moves Delhi HC Against Saket Gokhale Over Defamation Ruling

Former United Nations Assistant Secretary-General Lakshmi Puri has filed a petition with the Delhi High…

1 hour ago

Tamil Nadu Bakery Honors Ratan Tata With A 7-Foot Ice Cake Statue Featuring His Beloved Dog Tito

A Tamil Nadu bakery unveiled a 7-foot ice cake statue of Ratan Tata with his…

2 hours ago

PV Sindhu Ties The Knot With Venkata Datta Sai In Udaipur: Viral Photos Revealed

PV Sindhu married Venkata Datta Sai in a traditional ceremony in Udaipur on December 22.…

3 hours ago