News

Somali terror suspect moved out of Sherburne jail, allowed to wear head scarf

Photo:

Nov 3, 2011 at 9:51 am

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A Minnesota Somali woman awaiting sentencing on federal terror charges has been moved to a new jail, and is being allowed to wear her head scarf at times.

Amina Farah Ali was not allowed to wear her religious head covering at the Sherburne County jail, where she was sent after she was convicted of sending money to al-Shabab in Somalia.

But she was transferred Monday to Ramsey County, where her attorney, Dan Scott, says she can wear her head scarf when she meets with people or leaves her cell block.

Authorities were not revealing the reason for Ali's transfer.

A sentencing date for Ali has not been set. If sent to federal prison, she'll be allowed to wear her head scarf. The Bureau of Prisons allows the head coverings.