Appeals Court Orders Judge To Hear Ramadan Case

DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Court of Appeals has ordered a district court judge to hear a complaint from a prisoner who says his rights were violated when state prison officials prevented him from observing the Muslim holiday Ramadan.

Patrick Portley-El said a judge erred when he ruled that Portley-El had not properly pursued his complaint. The appeals court also ruled that Portley-El could contest prison orders to drop El from the end of his name despite his religious beliefs.

The lower court agreed with arguments from the state Department of Corrections that the prisoner had other prison remedies.

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