CAIR-NY Condemns NYPD SRG for Ripping Hijabs Off of Muslim Women Protesters, Use of Violence Against Protesters
Credit: Pexels/Matteo Modica
(NEW YORK, NY, 8/22/2024) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), part of the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the NYPD Strategic Response Group (SRG) for allegedly ripping hijabs off multiple Muslim women protesters outside a Democratic National Committee fundraiser last week.
On Aug. 14, protesters were gathered at an event for Kamala Harris that was attended by NYC Mayor Eric Adams and other politicians. The situation escalated when protesters, who were on the sidewalk, were reportedly kettled and assaulted by NYPD officers. Particularly alarming are reports that officers were violently ripping hijabs off Muslim women protesters.
SEE: NYC kickoff rally for Harris confronts pro-Palestinian demonstration
SEE: NYCLU Tweet
Shajnin Howlader was one of the protesters whose hijab was reportedly ripped off. While police were effectively kettling protesters, an officer grabbed Shajnin’s hijab and painfully ripped it off along with her undercap, which was securely tied to her hair. Shajnin tried pleading with the officer to let go until other protesters intervened, shielding her, grabbing her hijab and undercap back, and helping her into a pocket of safety on the street. Protesters also began pouring water into her burning eyes, saying they saw her get pepper sprayed.
[NOTE: “Kettling” involves the formation of large cordons of police who move to contain a crowd within a limited area.]
Shajnin Howlader stated:
“I came home that night completely traumatized, my body aching from being shoved and grabbed by policemen, my hair and scalp full of pain. I have been unable to sleep properly since then without flashbacks to my hijab being forcefully pulled off my hair bun. I never encountered anything similar. I feel so many emotions. I want justice for myself and other hijabis who experienced similar degrading experiences that night.”
SEE: Shajnin getting brutalized by NYPD, Slide 4
SEE: Shajnin Getting Pepper Sprayed, Slide 2
In a statement, CAIR-NY Staff Attorney, Christina John stated:
“The NYPD’s treatment of hijab-wearing Muslim women is egregious because of the physical brutality, the violation of bodily autonomy, and the infringement on religious rights. Such abuse by law enforcement risks silencing and deterring Shajnin and other women from safely exercising their First Amendment rights.
“Based on these reported actions, it is evident that the NYPD is untrained, incompetent, and/or unwilling to recognize the significance of religious attire such as the hijab, which precludes non-family males from seeing a Muslim woman without it. This nefarious strategy of silencing Muslim women from protesting and expressing themselves should be seen as a gender-driven assault beyond the clear First Amendment violations.
“This use of force underscores a troubling pattern of misconduct that demands immediate and thorough accountability.”
Earlier this year, CAIR-NY advocated against over-policing at protests.
SEE: CAIR-NY Condemns NYPD SRG, Mayor Adams for Violence Used Against Bay Ridge Protesters
SEE: CAIR-NY Calls on New York City Council to Disband the NYPD SRG; Invest in Community Programs Instead
CAIR-NY's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-NY es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
Become a Fan of CAIR-NY on Facebook
Subscribe to CAIR-NY's Email List
Subscribe to CAIR-NY's Twitter Feed
Subscribe to CAIR-NY’s YouTube Channel
Do you like reading CAIR-NY's press releases and taking part in our action alerts? You can help contribute to CAIR-NY's work of defending civil rights and empowering American Muslims across the country by making a one-time contribution or becoming a monthly donor. Supporters like you make CAIR-NY's advocacy work possible and defeating Islamophobia an achievable goal. Click here to donate to CAIR-NY.
NOTE: As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, CAIR does not endorse or oppose candidates for office, and makes no claims as to the favorability of one candidate being elected over another.
END
CONTACT:
Afaf Nasher, Esq., Executive Director, anasher@cair.com, 917-669-4006;
Saira Amar, MPA, CAIR-NY, Communications Coordinator, SAmar@cair.com