Youngstown faces federal lawsuit by Muslim assistant prosecutor

YOUNGSTOWN — An assistant city prosecutor, who is a “devout Muslim,” filed a federal lawsuit against the city, the mayor, law director, city prosecutor and coworkers claiming discrimination, retaliation and for making a concerted effort to keep him from practicing his religious beliefs.

The city strongly denies the claims made by Bassil Ally, who’s worked for more than six years for the city, said Law Director Iris Torres Guglucello.

“Mr. Ally was not discriminated against because of his religion or his religious beliefs,” Guglucello said. “His lawsuit is baseless. Mr. Ally has been accommodated for many, many years by the city to practice his religious beliefs. The city is adamant it does not discriminate against anyone.”

Ally attends weekly prayer services at his mosque about 1:30 p.m. each Friday as required by his religion, according to his lawsuit filed by Daniel M. Connell, his Cleveland-based attorney.

The lawsuit contends Ally’s work schedule was purposely changed requiring him to work at the time he was to pray at a mosque.

“Ally was also subjected to comments regarding his religion and/or national origin” by coworkers, according to the lawsuit.

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