Federal Jury Awards $667K to Muslim Inmates Pepper-Sprayed During Prayer

The lawsuit alleged excessive force and religious persecution by Missouri correctional officers.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 1:21am

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A federal jury has awarded $667,000 in damages to a group of Muslim men incarcerated in Missouri who were pepper-sprayed by state correctional officers while praying in their housing unit during the COVID-19 pandemic. The men were handcuffed, pepper-sprayed, and placed in solitary confinement after the incident on February 28, 2021.

Why it matters

The case highlights concerns over the treatment of Muslim inmates and their right to practice their religion freely, even in a prison setting. It also raises questions about the use of excessive force by correctional officers and the need for better training and oversight to prevent such incidents.

The details

The lawsuit, filed by the CAIR Legal Fund and the Council on American-Islamic Relations-Missouri, alleged that the men had been allowed to pray together in their housing unit after the prison chapel was locked down during the pandemic. However, on February 28, 2021, the men were handcuffed, pepper-sprayed, and placed in solitary confinement after praying in the housing area. The men were initially charged with a major conduct violation, which was later reduced to a minor violation.

  • The incident occurred on February 28, 2021.
  • The men were found guilty and released from segregation on March 10, 2021.
  • The civil lawsuit was filed in 2023.

The players

CAIR Legal Fund

A civil rights organization that filed the lawsuit on behalf of the Muslim inmates.

Council on American-Islamic Relations-Missouri

A local chapter of the national civil rights organization that co-filed the lawsuit.

Nadia Bayado

An attorney for the plaintiffs with the CAIR Legal Defense Fund.

Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center

The Missouri prison where the incident occurred.

Missouri Department of Corrections

The state agency responsible for the correctional officers involved in the incident.

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What they’re saying

“Being a Muslim in America should not lead to one being subjected to excessive force or religious persecution.”

— Nadia Bayado, Attorney for the plaintiffs

What’s next

The Missouri Department of Corrections has not yet commented on the judgment, and it is unclear if they plan to appeal the decision.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Muslim inmates in the United States, who often struggle to freely practice their religion while incarcerated. The verdict sends a strong message that such treatment will not be tolerated and that correctional officers must respect the religious rights of all inmates, regardless of their faith.