Ali’s left hijab

I’ve written here several times about the two Minnesota Somali American women convicted of multiple terrorism-related charges. Amina Farah Ali is the younger of the two (she’s 35), and clearly the ringleader. Her partner in crime is Hawo Mohamed Hassan (she’s 65). I took a look back at issues related to the case, for example, in “The scene outside the terror trial.”

Ali is a hard case. At the outset of the trial she refused to follow the court order to rise when the judge and jurors entered the courtroom. According to Ali, the court order violated her religious precepts. Judge Davis held her in contempt and threw her in jail. As she continued to accumulate time for contempt of court, Ali reconsidered. Rising for the judge turned out not to violate her religious precepts after all. And what about Hassan? For some reason she had no reported issues with the order.

After her conviction, Ali had a few words for Judge Davis and the rest of us. “I am very happy,” she said defiantly through a translator. “I’m going to the heaven no matter. … Also, you guys go to the hell,” she said referring to those whom she believes are against Muslims.

Judge Davis listened as Ali went on. “We know God. We know justice. And also I’m very sorry for the one who doesn’t know God and who puts the injustice [on the people].”

Judge Davis provided that Ali would stay in jail until her sentencing. Hassan, who, the Star Tribune noted, remained silent, was to be sent to a halfway house if there’s room while she awaits sentencing.

Ali was remitted to the custody of the Sherburne County Jail. There she was unhappy with the conditions of her confinement. The authorities refused to allow her to wear her hijab on the ground that no personal clothing (including headgear) is allowed in the jail. Ali protested by refusing to come out of her cell. It’s not clear how the media received word of her protest, but receive it they did.

At last word, however, Ali has been moved to the Ramsey County Jail. There Ali is allowed to wear the scarf when meeting people or leaving her cell block, but not in the primary area where she is being held. The sheriff’s department spokesman says that the department is doing its best to accommodate her religious views.

The U.S. Marshals spokesman appears to deny that the transfer was made specifically for that purpose, but it’s hard to tell. He said the transfer was based on a “law enforcement purpose” and that the Marshals Service does not comment on correctional matters.

The terrorism and related charges on which Ali was convicted were all in service of the jihad. She now continues to wage jihad by other means.

JOHN adds: I saw the title of this post five times before I finally got it!

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