Springfield, MA – A landlord embroiled in a bitter court battle over the now-vacant Longhill Gardens condominiums has filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging violations of his religious rights and malicious prosecution.
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Shalom Segelman, “an observant Jew,” filed a complaint in U.S. District Court last week seeking damages because city officials went forward with a court hearing on a Jewish holiday and insisted that he be jailed for contempt of court at a facility where kosher food is not served.
In the lawsuit, Segelman, of Waterbury, Conn., argues that the city violated his civil rights by taking a hard-line approach at certain junctures in the dispute.
The federal lawsuit notes that the hearing was conducted on Oct. 4, 2007, during Simchat Torah, a Jewish holiday.
“… the City again insisted on proceeding with the contempt trial, despite the fact that Segelman, an observant Jew, was unable to attend,” the complaint reads.
And further, the city insisted that Segelman spend seven days behind bars over the contempt charge at the Hampden County Correctional Center in Ludlow, where his faith-mandated dietary needs could not be met. [masslive]
he shouls sue the —— out of the city
Aside from the [original] charges against MR. Segelman, it’s obvious that this particular Court was not acting in a fair and impartial manner. In view of that , the lawsuit in Federal Court was justified. Courts are manned (politically incorrect statement) by people. And people have their biases.