NYCLU Represents Subway Photographer

A Columbia University student who was handcuffed and detained for taking pictures in the subway while working on an art project is suing the New York City Police Department.

Lawyers for the New York Civil Liberties Union, which is representing the student, Arun Wiita, 26, said his First Amendment rights were abused and accused police of systematically targeting photographers taking pictures in public places, a legal activity. They also contend that the stop was a result of racial profiling because Mr. Wiita is Indian.

A spokesman for the police department, Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne, defended the detainment of Mr. Wiita.

"On rare occasions the NYPD makes inquiries of individuals photographing subways and infrastructure. Why? Because of the multiple plots to attack the subways since 9/11 involving photography of subways and other targets," he said.