Muslim inmates clear hurdle in lawsuit over Ramadan meals

FLINT (AP) — A judge says parts of a lawsuit can go forward in a dispute over the quality of food offered to Michigan Muslim inmates during the month of Ramadan.

Four prison inmates claimed the meals in 2011 and 2012 fell short of the typical number of calories and weren’t prepared in accordance with Islamic law.

Ramadan is a holy four-week period for Muslims, during which they eat only before sunrise and after sundown.

The lawsuit in Flint federal court says the Corrections Department was discriminating against inmates because other prisoners were getting more than 1,000 additional calories during three meals.

Inmates said they suffered hunger pains, weight loss, dizziness and fatigue.

Judge Linda Parker said parts of the lawsuit will stand.