Muslim Student Sues CPD, Claims Police Tackled Her and Removed Her Hijab

“Her hijab was torn from her face and head, exposing her face to the public contrary to her religious beliefs,” according to a release from her attorney Gregory Kulis

A Muslim student has filed a lawsuit against the Chicago Police Department, claiming she was accosted by officers who tore her hijab from her face and head.

Itemid Al-Matar was on her way home to celebrate the end of Ramadan but was taken to the ground by police while trying to board a Chicago Transit Authority train in an incident that was caught on camera. The student believes police officers thought she was a terrorist.

“Her hijab was torn from her face and head, exposing her face to the public contrary to her religious beliefs,” according to a release from her attorney Gregory Kulis.

Kulis said Al-Matar was charged with several counts of disorderly conduct but was later found not guilty during a court trial. 

Al-Matar also alleged that while in custody at the police station she was forced to remove her clothing and strip down to her undergarments as photos were taken of her. 

Chicago police declined to comment, saying it “cannot comment on pending lawsuits.”

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