The Los Angeles chapter of the Council of America and Islamic Relations is suing the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and individual OCSD deputies for forcibly eliminating two female hijabs while detaining them in a protest at UC Irvine last year.
However, the Sheriff’s Office said the information shared at a press conference announcing the submission on Tuesday was “inaccurate.”
The two young women were participating in student protests on campus when they were arrested in May 2024, according to the complaint. The lawmakers who arrested them allegedly forced them to remove the hijab, the head covering worn by Muslim women.
Both plaintiffs spoke at a press conference on Tuesday, providing an aspect of the story.
“I was shocked when I was asked to remove the hijab,” said one of them, Salma Netherdon. “I have never been asked in my life to remove a hijab for a government identification photo… my ID, my passport, it is not.”
The Los Angeles chapter of the Council of America and Islamic Relations is suing the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and individual OCSD deputies for forcibly eliminating two female hijabs while detaining them in a protest at UC Irvine last year. (KTLA)
“I kept thinking to myself, ‘Is this actually happening? Is this allowed? Is this not possible because I’m in prison?” she continued. “Do you really have the right to maintain this here?”
Second plaintiff, Shenai Aini, said she had had a similarly tragic experience.
“Due to the actions of the OCSD agent, my exposed hair was broadcast for the world to see,” Aini said. “During the booking process, I was forced to be exposed in the male opinion and had them take photos without my hijab, against my will.”
Shenai Aini (left) and Salma Nasoordeen (right) spoke at a press conference held by Cair-la, and announced that the hijab had been forced to remove for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. (KTLA)
“I want to make it clear that my hijab is the ultimate sign of my faith,” she added. “It serves as my identity, my protection and my faith.”
In a statement to the KTLA, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said “the explanation of the events shared at the press conference is inaccurate.”
“Specifically, no woman had to remove the hijab in front of male employees or ordinary male members,” the statement reads in part. “The woman was asked to personally remove the hijab for photo bookings within the prison facility. This occurred with only female agents present.”
Muslim women wear hijabs, according to Queen Mary University in London. Because it is specifically mentioned in the Quran, the most important religious text in Islam, so women who wear head covers approach God.
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