Supreme Court rules against Muslim inmate

WASHINGTON — An inmate claiming widespread harassment of Muslims in U.S. prisons cannot sue prison guards who he says took his Qurans and prayer rug, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Jan. 22. Abdus-Shahid M.S. Ali, a convicted murderer serving a sentence of 20 years to life, said the alleged confiscation of his religious items is part of a campaign waged against Muslim inmates since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. In a 5–4 ruling, the Supreme Court said the Federal Tort Claims Act blocks suits regarding property detained by law enforcement officers, including prison guards.

Justice Clarence Thomas, writing for the majority, said the law applies to all law enforcement officers. Justice Anthony Kennedy dissented, saying, “The seizure of property by an officer raises serious concerns for the liberty of our people.”