Court Rules Against Muslim Men in No Fly Case

The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that three Muslim men, placed on the 'No Fly List' after refusing to become FBI informants, cannot sue the agents involved due to qualified immunity. The court acknowledged the agents' 'improper behavior' but determined they had no reason to know they were infringing on the men's religious rights, as the men did not communicate their beliefs. Muhammad Tanvir, Jameel Algibhah, and Naveed Shinwari claimed their inclusion on the list violated their religious freedoms, caused job losses, and hindered family visits. Although they were eventually removed from the list, they sought damages under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which the Supreme Court previously upheld. Despite the ruling favoring the agents, Judge Gerard Lynch criticized their tactics of coercing the men into informant roles by falsely accusing them of terrorism. The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of Muslims in American counterterrorism efforts.