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PN AE: Se ettd ectelbagra arama mee im Vil. INCIDENTS WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS Vi. _ INCIDEN See eee A. Prison Inmates : There are a number of Negro inmates at prisons in several states who claim affiliation with the NOI. Some of those claiming to be followers of Muhammad who are presently in the Federal Penitentiary at Leavenworth, Kansas, had caused difficulty in other penal institutions and were subsequently transferred to Leavenworth. Most of these inmates, as well as many in state prisons, have embraced the "Muslim” faith subsequent to confinement and do not actually have a very clear-cut idea of Muhammad's teachings. They are primarily interested in those features which enable them to complain about prison conditions and racial discrimination. For example, in the Fall of 1959, four convicts at a New York State _prison who claimed to be followers of Muhammad filed legal action against the warden claiming that he was denying them enjoyment of religious freedom while in his prison. They had made demands for special foods, private meetings, special equipment, and other special considerations. No final action has resulted from these complaints, but much friction has developed because of this incident, and the NOI has used if as @ :.opaganda weapon to stir up its members. ii Roe | -81- erent & fe >