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LONG BEACH, Calif. (AP) — A Muslim woman is suing Long Beach police, saying an officer forcibly removed her religious headscarf during an arrest.
The federal civil rights lawsuit was filed Friday on behalf of Kirsty Powell, who was stopped last May as she and her husband drove home.
Powell says she was taken into custody on warrants and at the police station, a male officer forcibly removed her headscarf — the hijab — despite requests for a female officer.
Powell says in violation of her religious strictures, she was forced to remain exposed overnight in view of other male officers and dozens of inmates.
The warrants were later cleared.
Police say they're aware of the lawsuit and a statement may be issued later.
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