Muslim Inmate in Colorado Prison Wins Rights Over Meals and Headgear

July 27, 2005

Source: Rocky Mountain News

http://www.muslimnews.co.uk/news/news.php?article=9605

On July 27, 2005 the Rocky Mountain News reported, "A Muslim prisoner doesn't have to register as Jewish to eat kosher meals that meet Muslim dietary restrictions, a federal judge has ruled. Colorado U.S. District Judge Marcia Krieger also ordered state prison officials Monday to stop violating the inmate's right to cover his head in accordance with his faith. Krieger's 43-page ruling, after a trial in March, chided Colorado prison officials for abandoning their philosophy that encouraged prisoners to practice their religions. Colorado prison spokeswoman Alison Morgan said officials still were studying the ruling and had not decided whether to file an appeal. Krieger's ruling came in the case of Ronald Anthony Vashone-Caruso, who has spent more than 35 years behind bars. He sued the state prison system because he wanted to eat meals that complied with Muslim dietary laws; wear his kufi, or prayer cap, outside his cell; and participate in religious study groups."