Ohio Prisons Sued For Repeatedly Cutting Inmate's Dreadlocks

COLUMBUS, OH — An Ohio inmate serving a 33-year sentence for murder has filed a federal lawsuit alleging his civil rights were violated because the prison forcibly cut his dreadlocks five times. The lawsuit filed on behalf of inmate Cecil Koger said his faith of Rastafarianism requires him to wear his hair in dreadlocks.

The lawsuit, filed last week, said the prison impeded his ability to practice his religion. Ohio's prison system has allowed dreadlocks for other inmates, it said. Koger wants the prison system to be required to recognize Rastafarianism as a religion.

Koger, 35, is serving a 33-year sentence for aggravated murder and aggravated robbery.

The state prisons system declined comment.

By ANDREW WELSH-HUGGINS, Associated Press

Photo credit: Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction via AP