Muslim woman reportedly forced to remove her hijab by police in Kentucky

FAYETTE, Kentucky – A Muslim woman was reportedly forced to remove her hijab during her arrest in Fayette County in the U.S. state of Kentucky.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has called for an investigation into the alleged mistreatment of the girl at the Fayette County Detention Center.

In a letter to Col. Scott Colvin, executive director of the Fayette County Detention Center, and University of Kentucky police Chief Joseph Monroe, National deputy director of CAIR Edward Ahmed Mitchell urged them to further investigate and “establish clear policies permitting people of faith to keep their hijabs and other religiously required hair coverings on while in detention.”  

The woman, an immigrant Iraqi doctor, had initially been stopped by Kentucky police for driving without headlights.

She was subsequently arrested for an unpaid 2021 fine.

According to CAIR, she was handcuffed and held for several hours, during which officers asked her about her religion several times.

She was also forced to remove her hijab for a mugshot in a public hall, although she had asked for a private area.

The woman’s attorney stated that all charges against her were dropped prior to arraignment, and she was released on $100 bail.

The director of the detention center promised a transparent review of the charges.

He also assured that he would look into possible changes in policies and practices needed to protect the rights and dignity of individuals while in custody.