Shocking CCTV footage has emerged of five Chicago policemen violently restraining a Muslim woman. The incident which took place last year was brought to court earlier this week when the victim claimed she was racially profiled.
Itemad Almatar was running to catch a train in Chicago last year when she was tackled and arrested for no reason — and now she’s pressing charges against Chicago Police Department for racial profiling.
The male officers tore off her hijab and opened up a backpack that contained food she had to break her fast with.
The police arrested her and charged her with reckless conduct and resisting arrest, although earlier this week a judge found her not guilty of these charges.
Although prosecutors claimed that the police told her to stop as they chased her up the stairs, video surveillance footage shows that no other passengers climbing the stairs with her turned around as the police charged up the stairs, which makes it hard to believe they were shouting at anyone.
“She was strip searched, videographed, and at the same time men were allowed to see her naked,” said Imam Malick Mujahid, a Muslim community leader in Chicago.
“This is the ultimate horror you can do to a Muslim woman,” the Imam added.
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the latest news and updates from around the Muslim world!
“We know a couple things. There’s a Constitution, and the Constitution says you can’t just grab people for no reason whatsoever,” said Aaron Goldstein, an attorney at the Cook County Public Defender’s office.
