CAIR-NY Secures Settlement, Policy Reforms from NYPD Over Religious Rights Violations
(NEW YORK, NY, 2/4/25) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), the nation’s leading Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, announced a $140,000 settlement with the City of New York over religious rights violations.
The settlement resolves a lawsuit brought on behalf of community member K. Chowdhury, whose religious and civil rights were violated while in NYPD custody. The terms of the settlement include changes to the NYPD Patrol Guide to accommodate the medical and religious dietary requirements of those in police custody.
The lawsuit, filed in partnership with law firm Emery Celli Abady Brinckerhoff Ward & Maazel LLP (ECBAWM) in federal court, alleged that in 2022, the NYPD arrested Chowdhury, 51, based on a neighbor’s Islamophobic allegations. In reality, Chowdhury was merely sharing an English translation of the Quran (Islam’s revealed text) with his neighbor when he was arrested. Chowdhury was held in NYPD custody for over 24 hours, where he was denied the ability to pray and access to halal food. As a diabetic, Chowdhury suffered severe health complications and had to be hospitalized due to the NYPD’s failure to accommodate his medical and religious dietary needs.
Following over a year of litigation, the City of New York has agreed not only to compensate Chowdhury, but also to implement policy changes within six months of the settlement agreement. Under the agreed changes to its Patrol Guide, the NYPD must determine an arrestee’s religious and medical dietary restrictions if held in custody through at least one meal period.
Burhan Carroll, Esq., CAIR-NY Staff Attorney stated: “By the grace of God, justice for Mr. Chowdhury has finally been realized. This victory represents a first step towards much-needed reform. Through actions like this one, law enforcement is forced to recognize that freedom of religion extends beyond the doors of the police precinct. We will remain vigilant and continue to hold the police accountable for violating the rights of our community members.”
Washington, D.C., based CAIR offers a booklet, “A Law Enforcement Official’s Guide to The Muslim Community,” designed to assist law enforcement officials in forming and implementing policies to create a culturally aware environment and cooperative relationship between American Muslims and law enforcement agencies.
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.
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CONTACT:
Burhan Carroll, CAIR-NY Staff Attorney, BCarroll@cair.com
Saira Amar, MPA, samar@cair.com