Dearborn Woman Suing Police For Forcing Her To Remove Hijab When Placed Under Arrest

Local Muslim woman filing lawsuit against Dearborn Heights Police for forcing her to remove hijab during arrest

DEARBORN HEIGHTS - A 27-year-old local Muslim woman is filing a lawsuit against the Dearborn Heights Police department for forcing her to remove her hijab when she was arrested and booked for a traffic misdemeanor offense on July 9, 2014. 

Malak Kazan said she was humiliated by the department’s policy, which required her to remove her scarf when she was detained for driving on a suspended license. 

As part of the booking process, Kazan was asked to remove her hihab for her mug shot. Kazan allegedly expressed concern about the policy to the police men on duty, claiming it was a violation of her religion. 

She allegedly asked for a female police officer, but was told they couldn’t provide her with one. After growing frustration, Kazan was able to speak to a supervisor, who told her that removing head wear was part of the department’s policy and that she needed to comply or she would be further detained. 

Local Attorney Amir Makled from the Law Office of Cyril C. Hall, is filing the case at the U.S. District Court this week. He is demanding the department change its policy and is also seeking both compensatory and punitive damages for his client.