Faith

American-Born Taliban Fighter Will Have His ACLU-Led Fight for Islamic Group Prayer Heard In Court This August

John Walker Lindh Will Have His Fight for Islamic Group Prayer Heard In Court This AugustIn Jan. 2011, The Blaze first brought you the story of American-born Taliban fighter John Walker Lindh, 31, and other prisoners who had been fighting to secure the right to hold a daily prayer group. The men, who live in a highly-restricted cell block, have claimed that restrictions on their prayer at the federal prison in Terre Haute (Indiana) violate their religious rights.

The government, of course, has argued that these regulations are necessary to ensure safety and that the inmates can, at the least, hear one another as they pray in their individual cells. Now, with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on his side, Lindh — who continues to fight for more regular group prayer – is going to have his day in court. The Taliban fighter, who will have his trial in August, may end up receiving the permission he has sought so diligently.

The lawsuit was originally filed back in 2009 by two inmates who live in the prison’s Communications Management Unit (CMU). This unit holds mostly Muslim inmates who have limited communications with the outside world. While the other prisoners have since bowed out of the lawsuit, having been released or transferred to other locations, Lindh, who joined the legal effort in 2010, continues the fight.

John Walker Lindh Will Have His Fight for Islamic Group Prayer Heard In Court This AugustCurrently, CMU residents are only allowed to participate in group prayer one time per week. However, Muslims, like Lindh, are required, as per their faith, to pray five times per day. The ACLU is arguing that the U.S. government cannot restrict religious activities unless there is a compelling need. Thus, officials will need to prove that such a situation exists in court.

The Associated Press continues:

U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson found in February that daily group prayers were part of Lindh’s sincere religious beliefs, but that there were still questions regarding whether the prayer ban is necessary for prison security.

She will hear the case beginning Aug. 27. The site for the trial hasn’t been determined.

ACLU legal director Ken Falk and the U.S. attorney’s office declined to comment on the case Tuesday. The Bureau of Prisons did not return phone calls and emails seeking comment.

Lindh has modified his request since joining the lawsuit and now seeks permission only to pray in a group three times a day.

The former terror participant, who pleaded guilty to providing services to the former Taliban government and carrying explosives for them, was also charged with conspiring to kill Americans and supporting terror. In a plea agreement, those latter charges were dropped and he is now serving a 20-year sentence.

John Walker Lindh Will Have His Fight for Islamic Group Prayer Heard In Court This August

Last month, The Blaze reported about another development related to Lindh: His former defense attorney has been promoted to the third-highest position within the Department of Justice:

The lawyer who in 2002 represented John Walker Lindh, an American who pleaded guilty to working with the Taliban in Afghanistan, has been named new acting associate attorney general, the third highest ranking position in the Department of Justice. The Washington Post reports that Tony West, who has donated thousands to Democratic Party candidates and helped raise a record $65 million as California co-chairman for the 2008 Obama campaign, will take over the new role in two weeks where he will oversee a broad range of issues including civil rights, the environment and natural resources, tax and civil litigation.

It will be interesting to see which side the court falls on.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Comments (58)

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  • MrKnowItAll
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 8:47am

    Sad when it is about a severe American issue. The Supreme Court will deny to even hear the cases. But. You know we should concentrate on Brainwashing Young Girls into getting Christian Messages out of site. Please tell me I’m not the Only one getting tired of letting this Garbage go on.

    Report Post » MrKnowItAll  
    • Secret Squirrel
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 10:31am

      .
      Lindh should be dead.
      I thought we shot traitors before a firing squad.
      All part of the “pussification” of America.
      The ACLU will not rest until America is destroyed.

      Report Post » Secret Squirrel  
    • yougottabekidding
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 11:04am

      Secret Squirrel

      Nikita Khrushchev said we will destroy you from within !

      Report Post »  
    • Dismayed Veteran
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 12:19pm

      Secret

      I agree. This is treason and he should have speedily executed as a traitor.

      Report Post » Dismayed Veteran  
    • toto
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 4:45pm

      We need to amend whatever constitutional protections that traitors receive. No religious rights, or any other rights for traitors while incarcerated. I am so done with the ACLU and other leftists and traitors that use our “goodness” against us. I would be fine with him being treated as his allies would treat an American. I would also like to have a thousand of Gitmos, without all the amenities that they now have. Why not identify some solitary islands in shark infested waters to house them. They deserve no consideration whatever.

      Report Post »  
  • gmama04
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 8:13am

    You have NO rights when you are in jail. Get a grip on reality ACLU, stop being PC and .Oh, I forgot we are talking about another religion other than Christianity…..silly me.

    Report Post »  
    • tonyke
      Posted on April 28, 2012 at 5:38pm

      no one can take away your basic rights. but allowing terrorists to assemble ot plot criminal activity is not a right.

      Report Post »  
  • ChiRho4Life
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 7:10am

    ACLU = Anti-Christian Liberals’ Union. Personally, I think this talitubby gave up all his religious right as an American when he decided to fight for the talitubbies. I think it’s called treason to betray your country.

    Report Post »  
    • HorseCrazy
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 9:52am

      or funding terrorism to represent convicted terrorists but hey what do I know

      Report Post »  
  • cosmic dogma
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 12:46am

    Has the ACLU EVER defended Christianity? Nope, didn’t think so. WTF? Why is islam the coddled little favorite child of liberals? Don’t they understand they will be the first to disappear under islam? Weakness and placating will only expedite the advancement of this evil cult. ACLU defends urinating on crosses, and islam.

    Report Post »  
    • Kitsune
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 8:18am

      They understand that Islam is a political doctrine espousing Totalitarian Power through Fear, Slavery, and Murder.

      And that’s what they so badly want, themselves. THAT‘S why they take the side of Islam and The Shari’ah.

      Report Post »  
  • Ghandi was a Republican
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 12:39am

    They should ask allah to fix it for the….. You know- the same allah who has led the Muslim world into it’s hellhole where they wish only to escape to the West to be free of what they want to bring out of their current hellhole into the Free and benevolent World they despise. Pray for this and all will surely your murderous allah will deliver you (this time?). How come I never hear of allah messaging the Muslims to a call of charity? A call of peace? a call of feeding the poor and delivering medicine to the 3rd world? All that oil money! I have never heard of any “Muslim charities” but I see that a Christian Nation can rebuild their mosques they blow up all by themselves. I wonder why OBAMA is too busy demonizing Christianity and America to point to this simple truth!

    Report Post » Ghandi was a Republican  
    • mjazzguitar
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 10:05am

      Saudi Arabia had a fundraising for the palestinians and they donated more money to them than the muslim nations devastated by the tsunami.

      Report Post »  
  • DEFCON4
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 12:31am

    Dear Mr. Lindh , Group prayer is currently available in our General Population Area !…

    Report Post » DEFCON4  
  • Skrewedretiree
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 12:29am

    When – if EVER!- did the ACLU fight for the rights of a CHRISTIAN?

    Report Post » Skrewedretiree  
  • paperpushermj
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 12:22am

    Their In Prison.
    .
    Whoda Thunk It.
    So when do they claim that their Religion prohibits them from taking instruction from a non-muslim so the guards need to be fellow male Muslims.
    .
    When do they demand a sheep to be provided for ritual slaughter for Ramadan.

    Report Post » paperpushermj  
  • lukerw
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 11:21pm

    When will… Too Much… be ENOUGH!

    Report Post » lukerw  
    • PaBowHunter
      Posted on April 26, 2012 at 11:40pm

      The ACLU should be classified as a terrorist organization. And if this piece of crap is granted special rights then someone should deal with him in jail. He’s a traitor. And honestly he should’ve been put to death. Piece of frucking shiot.

      Report Post »  
    • mike_trivisonno
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 6:20am

      He is a muslim engaged in Jihad.

      He should be stripped of citizenship and deported or forced into hard labor for the remainder of his life.

      Report Post » mike_trivisonno  
  • Rayford
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:23pm

    No one said he couldnt pray, just not in a group. Its a prison, not a bloody country club.

    I would say no to him..he is a traitor and is lucky he hasnt been shot…as he should be.

    Report Post »  
    • marhee9
      Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:35pm

      Who keeps giving money to the ACLU? How does this happen. This is one of the most destructive organizations in America. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJC5Zw-ggrc

      Report Post »  
    • yougottabekidding
      Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:53pm

      Let me get this straight the courts rule it’s illegal for Christians to
      Pray, even have a moment of silence on gov property.
      Now some stupid idiot will probably rule some piece of garbage
      With the help of more garbage wll be ordered to have an organized
      prayer 5 times a day on gov property
      Where are the stupid atheists?

      Report Post »  
    • icecreamcake
      Posted on April 26, 2012 at 11:53pm

      @yougottabekidding They’re too busy trying to convince people to believe what they do, but also say it’s not a religion.

      Report Post »  
    • DetroitAtheist
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 1:57pm

      I’m pretty sure christians pray when in prison.. Unless they don’t want to.

      Mainly, leave us Atheists out of this one, we’re not the majority of the prison population, and require nothing special while in prison. This one is up to you guys.

      http://www.holysmoke.org/icr-pri.htm – population in prison by religious affiliation.

      *backs away slowly*

      Report Post » DetroitAtheist  
  • Meyvn
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:22pm

    How sweet.

    Report Post » Meyvn  
  • hogtrashhd
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:20pm

    make them “pray” on their own time.. not on the taxpayers time.. if you banned their “prayer” time on company time they just wouldn’t pray at all.. bet you doughnuts to dollars… it’s a sham..

    Report Post »  
  • tzion
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:19pm

    Combine a Islamic terrorist with an American that thinks he entitled to everything and will sue you when he doesn’t collect. Why am i not surprised that this is happening?

    Report Post »  
  • SHOWMESTATEGUY
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:14pm

    The ACLU. They are the folks that work overtime to rid America of Christanity. Apparently they also work overtime to promote Islam in America. Something is not right with the ACLU. Did you know that 99.9% of dem libs are card carrying members of the ACLU? If you are a Christian, they do not have your back.

    Report Post »  
  • JJBlazeReader
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:10pm

    ..
    ACLU is wrong. There is no requirement that Muslims must pray in a group, only that they must prayer five times a day.

    They are needlessly interfering in the handling of dangerous terrorists. We saw in Afghanistan that Islamic terrorists were communicating through writing in the Koran (which is forbidden by Islamic law).

    Who knows what is really going on when they “pray” together.
    ..

    Report Post » JJBlazeReader  
    • notreally
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 6:10am

      It doesn’t matter that there is no requirement for group prayer. If there’s a possibility that America can be hurt by…anything, the ACLU is all for it. But you knew that.

      Report Post »  
  • Walkabout
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:06pm

    When your daddy divorces mommy to live & have sex with another man ( the height of enlightened liberal living), Islam would look very appealing.

    Just saying.

    Vanessa Redgrave walked n on her father & another man, & look at what she says.

    Report Post »  
  • pscully17
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:03pm

    Aren’t prisons funded with tax payer money, and ruin by the federal government? What happened to the separation of church and state? Especially in facilities when its patrons have surrendered their rights when they committed crimes, and crimes against the government and citizens they are now suing? Meanwhile, a band of atheists are forcing the removal if religious Christian symbols in every town square and courthouses. This has to be stopped immediately!

    Report Post »  
    • grimmy
      Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:17pm

      @PSCULLY17.
      Amen.

      Report Post »  
    • kaydeebeau
      Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:48pm

      The sparation of church and state only applies to Christianity – even though Christianity is not a religion rather a relationship, how one choses to practice the faith one has in Christ could be construed as religion, don’t be confused to believe that the same relifious test apply to islamists,

      Here I am – come get me (I have fear yet I trust Him) If generations before me can shout maranatha prior to be eaten by lions or burned as torches to light rose gardens, surely He will give me strength to endure to the end (I don’t want to – neither did Jesus – want to do what must be done – yet He did it)

      It will come down to that…… Are you ready?

      Report Post » kaydeebeau  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:52pm

      Their prayers bounce off the walls and fall at their feet. God hears nothing except those that pray that these men excape the darkness that truly imprisons them.

      Report Post »  
  • kaydeebeau
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:01pm

    Other than the fact that the ACLU is a communist / atheist organization, how is it you think you would get a “better deal” under sharia / islamist law? Here’s a hint, you would be be-headed.

    Here’s another hint, I have had it way past up to here with your (ACLU) attempts to subvert the US.

    And you will be better under sharia how?

    The laws of Yahweh are somehow worse than the laws of man or allah how exactly?

    You somehow think that you will be spared why?

    Oh, never read the koran, the haddith or the surah (sp)…duh who would have known?

    WAKE UP people – do what ever you have to do to wake up your family, friends and neighbors.

    We have too many treasures to lay up to be silent and accommodating

    Report Post » kaydeebeau  
  • 13th Imam
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:00pm

    Another Hyphenated Liberal Progressive Female ??

    Pray on the way to the Gallows.

    Report Post » 13th Imam  
  • Lt_Scrounge
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 9:58pm

    Under the Geneva Conventions, Lindh was entitled to nothing more than a military tribunal to determine his status as either a “Lawful Combatant”, “Non Combatant” or “Unlawful enemy combatant.“ If he were found to be an ”unlawful enemy combatant” he could’ve been executed at the discretion of the convening authority. That would’ve been the theater commander. That’s what the Geneva Conventions on Land warfare calls for. Why are we giving him anything more than the law requires? The status of lawful combatant requires that certain conditions being met, and unless they are all met, the combatant is considered unlawful and subject to immediate execution. We need to grow a pair and begin treating the terrorists exactly how the Geneva Conventions call for. Military tribunal followed by a long drop and a short rope.

    Report Post »  
  • barber2
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 9:56pm

    Didn’t they used to hang traitors ?

    Report Post »  
    • Skrewedretiree
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 12:33am

      Maybe in the old days. Now they get elected to public office, even as far as the Presidency.

      Report Post » Skrewedretiree  
  • Smokey_Bojangles
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 9:50pm

    The Communist Sympathizing Republicans in the House just gave our Communist President H R 3523. If this gets past the senate and Obama vetoes it,he will get my vote. So Far The Republicans have given us NDAA, The Patriot Act,HR 347 and now H R 3523.Is Obama Better? No…Can he be any damn worse? And Allen West dared called the Democrats Commies as he supported Communist/Fascist Legislation!? What a Hypocrite!

    Report Post » Smokey_Bojangles  
    • barber2
      Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:03pm

      Oh, brother the game playing begins. Obama , of course, does not want to pass this bill as it would give security information to corporations and we KNOW how Mr. Anti-Cpaitalsim feels about businesses and those “evil ” corporations : those job- creating vehicles that he hates and would rather destroy . He would prefer to attract his base through “ hate the rich ” rhetoric than by creating jobs so that they, too, might become wealthy. Please exit, Troll. We aren’t young and dumb enough to buy your “ PropaBama ” 99% Baloney ! Go parrot the baloney at some Occupy. They’ll love it…

      Report Post »  
    • Twobyfour
      Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:29pm

      Barber2, you’re too polite. Next time say “be gone, troll”! May not work, but it is a categorical imperative.

      Report Post » Twobyfour  
    • Smokey_Bojangles
      Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:31pm

      You must be smoking the same Kool Aid as Obama’ s Hard Core Supporters. Or you are just blind?Obama did not want to pass NDAA.He Did.Obama Did not want to pass The Patriot Act.He Did.Obama did not want to Pass HR 347.He Did.He will also pass H R 3523.The Republicans keep giving him powers to abuse and you blindly follow them? I Would rather be called a troll than to BE a tool as you are. The Republicans are SELL OUTS! At Least we all know Obama is Communist.He does not pretend.

      Report Post » Smokey_Bojangles  
  • South Philly Boy
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 9:46pm

    He’s a TOAD

    Report Post » South Philly Boy  
  • cassandra
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 9:45pm

    ACLU needs to be shut down this is a communist org that is not for AMERICAN rights but everything un-American

    Report Post »  
  • 82dAirborne
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 9:37pm

    Prisons should be places that people really, really, really want to avoid! Not a place to be comfy. Not to mention that anyone convicted of a terror related crime should be treated differently. As in the treatment should be harsh, very harsh.

    Report Post » 82dAirborne  
    • db321
      Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:01pm

      Dearborn – you are right Prison in Obama 2nd term is going to be Horrible – but not in the way you see it – You see, the most Violent Criminals in Prison today – will be the Guards and the inmates will be the Christian and Jews.

      I choose not to participate in Obama Satanic game – I choose to go out fighting and praising Jesus Christ as they kill me – thank you Lord for that honor – thank you for not making me a coward that would let the evil ones capture and imprison me!

      Remember – Jesus died so we could get into Heaven – they have to kill Christian and Jew for their False God to recognize them!

      Don’t be fearful of dieing doing Gods work – the biggest Mansion in Heave is save for those that gave their life for God! – Says the Lord!

      We are all going to die once – I am so glad that I did not follow a Man before my death – as so many have with their Love for Obama!

      Report Post » db321  
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