American Taliban seeks group prayer in Ind. prison

[rug]

By: CHARLES WILSON | Associated Press
Published: August 26, 2012 Updated: August 26, 2012 - 2:03 PM

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) An American-born Taliban fighter imprisoned in Indiana will try to convince a federal judge that his religious freedom trumps security concerns in a closely watched trial that will examine how far prisons can go to ensure security in the age of terrorism.

John Walker Lindh was expected to testify Monday in Indianapolis during the first day of the trial over prayer policies in a tightly restricted prison unit where he and other high-risk inmates have severely limited contact with the outside world.

Lindh, 31, a Muslim convert who was charged with supporting terrorists after he was captured by U.S. troops in Afghanistan and later pleaded guilty to lesser charges, claims his religious rights are being violated because the federal prison in Terre Haute deprives him of daily group prayer.

Muslims are required to pray five times a day, and the Hanbali school to which Lindh belongs requires group prayer if it is possible. But inmates in the Communications Management Unit are allowed to pray together only once a week except during Ramadan. At other times, they must pray in their individual cells. Lindh says that doesn't meet the Quran's requirements and is inappropriate because he is forced to kneel in close proximity to his toilet.

http://www2.wnct.com/news/2012/aug/26/american-taliban-seeks-group-prayer-in-ind-prison-ar-2549997/

[cbayer]

1. It sounds like they let them do all kinds of things as a group and are excluding prayer

because this guy gave a rather radical sermon during a prayer session.

Easiest solution would seem to be to let them pray together, but no sermons.

When I have been around Muslims, their prayers have been spoken, but not in a way intended for an audience.

[freshwest]

2. Sorry.

[cleanhippie]

4. While I share your sentiment

I strongly disagree with not providing everyone with the same rights...

[freshwest]

8. Sorry.

[cleanhippie]

9. Sorry for what?

I mean, I see no reason for you to be sorry.

[freshwest]

11. I don't share your sentiment and don't care about Johnny Jihad. EOM.

[cleanhippie]

12. Wait, what? You don't share your own sentiment that I agree with?

[cleanhippie]

3. If they allow other groups to have "group prayer"....

unsure how they could legally prevent any other group from having the same right.

[rug]

6. The prison alleges Lindh used one of the group prayers to make a "terrorist" speech.

I call bullshit. The ACLU knows what they are doing here.

[cleanhippie]

10. IMO, there are far better examples to use as a reason to silence free speech...

than "terrorism." Not that I necessarily agree with any other reasons.

[eppur_se_muova]

5. " ... if it is possible." Under regulations, it is not. End of argument. nt

[rug]

7. According to the Bureau of Prisons.

Fortunately, it is a court, not the BoP or DoJ. that will say if it is the end of the argument.