Lawyers for American Taliban fighter want prison agency in contempt over prayers

INDIANAPOLIS – Lawyers for American Taliban fighter John Walker Lindh are asking a judge to find the U.S. Bureau of Prisons in contempt for not allowing Muslim inmates in a high-security prison unit to pray together five times a day as required by their faith.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana filed the contempt motion Wednesday and sent a copy of the request to The Associated Press.

The prisons agency has said inmates of all religions in the Terre Haute federal prison unit have been allowed to pray together three times a day.

But the ACLU argues that’s not what a judge ordered in January. The ruling said Lindh sincerely believes Islam mandates praying together five times daily, and federal law requires the prison to accommodate his beliefs.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

Charles Wilson

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles