Devout Muslim claims prison breached his religious rights

A Muslim man wanted in the US on a terrorism-related charge has claimed before the High Court his conditions while in Cork Prison were degrading and breached his right to practise his religion.

Ali Charaf Damache (47), an Algerian-born Irish citizen with an address at John Colwyn House, High Street, Waterford, has brought the action over his detention at Cork Prison during 2011 while awaiting trial.

He is now on remand at Cloverhill Prison pending the outcome of a US request for his extradition.

Last year, Mr Damache pleaded guilty at Waterford Circuit Court to making a menacing phone call to an American lawyer in 2010. He was sentenced to four years in jail with the final year suspended over making the phone call to Michigan-based attorney, Majed Moughni.

Due to time already served, he was released from custody but rearrested by gardaí on foot of an extradition warrant from the US where he is wanted for conspiring to provide support to terrorists.

Mr Damache claims he was subjected to insults and abuse by fellow inmates and prison staff, charges which are denied.

The action before Ms Justice Elizabeth Dunne continues tomorrow.