Nigerian “underwear bomber” sues US Govt for allegedly violating his rights

Infamous Nigerian “underwear bomber” Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab has dragged the US government to court for allegedly violating his constitutional rights by not allowing him communicate with the outside world, or practise his religion.

Abdulmutallab who was convicted in 2012 for an attempted terror attack on a Northwest Airlines Flight 253 after nearly killing 289 people on an Amsterdam-to-Detroit flight on December 25, 2009, also complained of being held in long-term solitary confinement.

In a suit filed by his lawyer Gail Johnson, the rights of the convict was also claimed to be violated under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

Read also: 27-yr-old father of three lands in court for raping 10-yr-old neighbour

“The SAMs imposed on Mr. Abdulmutallab prohibit him from having any communication whatsoever with more than 7.5 billion people, the vast majority of people on the planet,” the suit read in part.

The suit also alleged that the SAMs “severely restrict Abdulmutallab’s ability to practise religion as he is unable to participate in group prayers alongside fellow Muslims within the facility.”

Staff members at the Colorado prison facility were also accused of repeatedly force-feeding Abdulmutallab during a hunger strike, using “excessively and unnecessarily painful” methods.

“Prisoners retain fundamental constitutional rights to communicate with others and have family relationships free from undue interference by the government”.

“The restrictions imposed on our client are excessive and unnecessary, and therefore, we seek the intervention of the federal court”, said Johnson.

 

 

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