A 35-year old Muslim woman on trial in Minneapolis on charges of funneling money to a Somali terrorist group has been held in contempt of court for refusing on religious grounds to rise when the judge and jury entered the courtroom. AP reported yesterday that defendant Amina Farah Ali was sentenced to 50 days in jail on the contempt charges, subject to purging of the charges if Ali changes her mind after conferring with Muslim religious authorities. Ali says she will not stand up for anyone except Allah.
UPDATE: Here is the full text of the judge's opinion in United States v. Ali, (D MN, Oct. 3, 2011), finding Ali in contempt. Volokh Conspiracy had additional analysis of the case.
