‘American Taliban’ John Walker Lindh asks judge to allow more group prayer in Ind. prison unit

John Walker Lindh seeks group prayer at fed prison

INDIANAPOLIS — American-born Taliban fighter John Walker Lindh and another Muslim inmate have asked a judge to overturn a rule limiting group prayer in the highly restrictive unit at a federal prison in Terre Haute, Indiana, where they are being held.

The American Civil Liberties Union made the request on behalf of Lindh and fellow inmate Enaam Arnaout.

The inmates claim that a rule limiting them to praying alone in their cells except for once a day during Ramadan violates an Islamic requirement that they pray five times a day, preferably in a group.

Lindh wrote in a legal declaration that the Koran requires a clean place for prayer and he’s forced to kneel in his cell in close proximity to his toilet.

The government denies it is violating the prisoners’ rights.