Muslim Inmate Files Religious Liberty Suit at "Supermax" Prison
A case at the "supermax" prison in Colorado highlights the extensive application of religious liberty principles in the United States.
A foreign-born Muslim inmate, Mostafa Kamel Mostafa, is seeking government intervention to accommodate his religious practices under a federal statute.
Background of the Case
Mostafa is currently incarcerated at the ADX Florence prison, known as the "Alcatraz of the Rockies", which is notorious for its restrictive environment.
- The prison is a maximum facility with a near-total state of lockdown.
- It houses some of the most dangerous inmates in the U.S.
Key Ruling
District Judge Philip Brimmer ruled on September 25 that prison officials had "substantially burdened the exercise of his religion" by failing to install a special cleaner in one of his cells.
Mostafa had demonstrated that his religious practices were being restricted, leading to the judge's ruling.
Author's summary: Muslim inmate files suit for religious accommodation.