Muslim Inmates Sue RIDOC Over Religious Discrimination

Four Muslim men incarcerated at Rhode Island’s high-security prison in Cranston have filed a federal lawsuit against the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC), alleging that prison policies hinder their ability to practice their faith, The Public’s Radio reported.

The lawsuit, supported by the Roger Williams School of Law and the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island, claims inmates face significant obstacles in accessing religious services, including visits with an Imam, communal prayer, and basic religious items like prayer rugs.

Attorney Jared Goldstein emphasized that while prisons have legitimate security needs, they cannot infringe upon inmates’ rights to practice their religion. The lawsuit points out that Christian inmates have greater freedoms, such as weekly meetings with chaplains. The plaintiffs also highlighted issues with Ramadan observance, stating that last year, the prison served meals at inappropriate times, forcing them to fast longer than required.