Two Muslim Women File Lawsuit Against NYPD for Excessive Force at Protest
In a shocking turn of events, two Muslim women have taken legal action against the New York Police Department (NYPD) for alleged excessive force during a protest in August. The incident occurred during a demonstration calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, where the women claim they were assaulted and had their hijabs forcibly removed. This disturbing account has sparked outrage and drawn attention to broader issues of police misconduct and civil rights violations.
Incidents of Police Brutality
According to a federal lawsuit filed in the Southern District of New York federal court, Zarmeen Azam and Shajnin Howlader, along with the New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, have accused the NYPD of engaging in a pattern of wrongful behavior. The lawsuit claims that the removal of the women’s hijabs was not an isolated event but rather part of a larger practice of intimidation and religiously targeted violence by law enforcement.
The plaintiffs, seeking monetary compensation and a ban on the removal of head coverings at protests, recounted the harrowing details of the August 14, 2024 protest in upper Manhattan. The demonstration took place outside a fundraiser attended by prominent Democratic figures, including then-Vice President Kamala Harris, Governor Kathy Hochul, and Mayor Eric Adams. However, the peaceful gathering turned chaotic when a group of demonstrators grew disruptive, causing extensive property damage and leading to several arrests.
The lawsuit alleges that Sgt. Joseph M. Spalding and Asst. Chief of Patrol Ruel R. Stephenson were involved in the violent altercation with the plaintiffs. Howlader, a young college student, was reportedly choked by her hijab, while Azam was strangled and dragged along the ground. These horrifying accounts shed light on the excessive use of force by law enforcement and the need for accountability in such situations.
Legal and Ethical Implications
Christina John, a staff attorney at CAIR-NY, expressed concerns over the NYPD’s tactics, particularly the unwarranted removal of hijabs as an intimidation strategy. Despite claims of disruptive behavior by protesters, John maintained that the plaintiffs were lawfully present at the protest and did not provoke the violent response from law enforcement. This disturbing trend of targeting Muslim women and violating their religious freedoms underscores the urgent need for reform within the NYPD.
Attorney Andrew Wilson, representing the plaintiffs, highlighted the gravity of the situation, especially considering the involvement of high-ranking members of the NYPD. Wilson emphasized the systemic nature of the problem and the importance of addressing these issues to prevent future abuses of power. The lawsuit, following a recent civil rights complaint regarding the forced removal of hijabs for mugshot photos, underscores a troubling pattern of discrimination and mistreatment faced by Muslim women in New York City.
The timing of this lawsuit, coming on the heels of a multi-million dollar settlement in a previous case involving hijab-wearing Muslim women, further underscores the urgent need for accountability and reform within the NYPD. The allegations of excessive force and religious discrimination must be taken seriously by law enforcement officials and city authorities to ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future.
