ARKANSAS, USA — Gregory Holt, a Muslim inmate better known as Abdul Maalik Muhammad, has filed a new federal lawsuit accusing Arkansas correctional authorities of retaliating against him by transferring him to a federal facility in West Virginia. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Arkansas is representing Holt in the case.
Holt became widely known in 2015 when the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously upheld his right to grow a half-inch beard in prison, a decision that was seen as a significant win for religious freedom behind bars. The landmark case drew widespread support from across the religious spectrum, including Orthodox Jewish organizations and even the federal government under President Obama.
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Now, Holt alleges that Arkansas officials are targeting him for the multiple lawsuits he has filed against the state’s Department of Corrections. According to court documents, he currently has six active legal actions pending against the department.
The lawsuit claims that Holt’s sudden relocation to the federal prison system—despite his status as a state inmate—was meant to hinder his legal efforts and isolate him from his lawyers and support networks.
“Mr. Muhammad’s history of meritorious litigation showcases the ability of the legal system to provide justice to all, including prisoners,” the lawsuit states. “The Court should not tolerate the retaliatory transfer aimed at suppressing his legal advocacy.”
Officials from the Arkansas Department of Corrections declined to comment on the ongoing litigation. Meanwhile, Jeff LeMaster, a spokesperson for Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, stated that the Attorney General’s office is reviewing the allegations and will “vigorously defend the state.”
Ongoing Challenges in Federal Custody
Since his transfer, the ACLU reports that Holt has experienced numerous hardships at the West Virginia federal facility. These include restricted access to hygiene products, religious services, and his legal counsel. The lawsuit also argues that Holt has lost access to essential legal documents and case files needed for his pending lawsuits.
The complaint highlights that despite his current location, Holt remains a state inmate under Arkansas jurisdiction, meaning state officials retain the authority to bring him back to an Arkansas facility.
“This ordeal has made Mr. Muhammad loathe to ever trust the mediation process or participate in a mediation with the ADC—or any other government actor—again,” the ACLU’s complaint reads.
Background: A Religious Rights Milestone
Holt is currently serving a life sentence following a violent assault on his girlfriend and was previously housed in a maximum-security prison near Little Rock, Arkansas. His initial petition to the Supreme Court was submitted handwritten, asking the justices to consider Arkansas’ beard ban as a violation of his religious freedom.
The 2015 decision marked a major victory for prisoners’ religious rights, with support pouring in not just from Muslim and Jewish organizations, but also from secular advocacy groups.
Holt’s recent legal battle underscores the ongoing tension between inmate rights and state correctional systems, especially in cases involving religious expression and legal self-advocacy.
