This is not only the first day of August — this also begins the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. And the American Civil Liberties Union wants local jails across the state to help Muslim inmates follow their religious custom. The ACLU says state prison system already does so, and many regional jails do as well. As News/Talk 960’s Evan Jones reports, the matter usually involves smaller jails around the state.
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There are almost 700 inmates right now at the Western Virginia Regional Jail near Salem. Superintendent Bobby Russell says 10 of them have asked to be served all meals after sundown and before sunup for the 30 days of Ramadan, about the usual percentage. The prison changes those inmates’ meal schedules to comply.
Click here to read the full ACLU letter to sheriffs and prison superintendents.
