UPDATE (KCEN) -- Maj. Hasan refused to shave during the court recess after being found in contempt of court.
The judge said he may have a reason to force Hasan to shave by the time his trial starts on August 20.
--------------------------------------
UPDATE (KCEN) -- The judge has found Maj. Nidal Hasan in contempt of court because he refuses to shave his beard.
Judge Gross had asked the defense to bring shaving supplies to court today. They have supplies and have taken a recess to discuss with Hasan his options. If he refuses to shave, he will have to go back to the trailer where he watches court proceedings via video.
The judge is pressing the issue of shaving because believes if Hasan is forced to watch court proceedings via video, it could give the defense reason to appeal at a later time.
The defense is arguing that he should not be forced or even asked to shave, especially since it is Ramadan right now. Ramadan is a Muslim holy month.
--------------------------------------
(KCEN) -- Maj. Nidal Hasan was present in court for a pre-trial hearing even though he still refuses to shave his beard.
For previous hearings, he was not allowed in court and had to watch proceedings via video.
Today the judge announced that he is considering holding Hasan in contempt of court if he does not shave his beard. Judge Gross is also looking into a military rule that allow someone to shave Hasan's beard for him.
The defense is arguing that according to the Restoration Act, the rule can't be enforced because Hasan wears the beard for religious purposes.
We will post more information as it becomes available.
