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Archive for November, 2009

Attorney Appeals Top Security Clearance Case

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

A security clearance attorney is investigating a case involving a western Pennsylvania Egyptian scientist whose top security clearance was revoked by the Department of Energy. In 2007 Moniem El-Ganayni was fired from Bettis Laboratory after being declared a security risk. His attorney is now appealing a federal judge’s dismissal of his lawsuit against the department.

Security Clearance Appeal

El-Ganayni was a Bettis Laboratories employee since 1990. The company, which makes nuclear warship parts, requires its employees to have top security clearance. After years of working for the company and maintaining a security clearance, El-Ganayni’s attorney states he is entitled to know why his clearance was revoked.

(Source: FOX News)

Bettis Laboratory

Bettis Laboratory is a key player in the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. Employees are responsible for conducting research to develop advanced materials, chemistry controlled environments and components for improved Navy nuclear technology. They are also responsible for applying theoretical knowledge and testing systems and components to be installed on Navy ships and submarines.

Security Clearance Forms

Due to the nature of the job, Bettis Laboratory requires that all employees pass a top security clearance. Employees are also subject to a Federal Background investigation. There are several factors that come into play during a national security clearance. If there is any doubt that the applicant may not be trustworthy, he or she will be denied access. Employees are at risk of losing their security clearance should they be deemed a risk.

For more information about national security clearance denials and/or appeals, contact The Edmunds Law Firm today. Our experienced attorneys have investigated security clearance matters throughout the country.

 

ADL Petitions Court of Appeals in Military Security Clearance Case

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is urging the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals to grant a Jewish civilian permission to sue the government for his military security clearance denial. The League alleges that David Tenenbaum was denied military security clearance because he is Jewish and has ties to Israel.

Deborah M. Lauter, ADL Civil Rights Director, said that this is not the first time a military clearance was denied or revoked based on the fact that the applicant is Jewish. In a brief in Tenenbaum v. Ashcroft, the League urges the appeals court to let Tenenbaum sue for discrimination even though he has already been denied by the lower court.

Anti-Defamation League: Background

Founded in 1913, the Anti-Defamation League is designed to protect civil rights for all. It’s mission statement reads:

“The immediate object of the League is to stop, by appeals to reason and conscience and, if necessary, by appeals to law, the defamation of the Jewish people. Its ultimate purpose is to secure justice and fair treatment to all citizens alike and to put an end forever to unjust and unfair discrimination against and ridicule of any sect or body of citizens.”

The ADL has a history of fighting on behalf of person’s who have bee discriminated against based on his or her religious background.

(Source: The Anti-Defamation League)

Military Security Clearance Denials

Military security clearance denials are based on several factors including: a history of drug or alcohol abuse, mental instability, criminal convictions, and foreign connections, among others. When a person is denied military security clearance, he or she will have the opportunity to appeal the decision.

For more information about a security clearance matter, contact The Edmunds Law Firm.

 

Government Scientist Violates Top Security Clearance, Charged for Spying

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

A former government scientist has been arrested and charged with attempted espionage. Stewart David Nozette was arrested in October 2009 for violating his top security clearance by allegedly disclosing classified information to an FBI agent dressed as an Israeli intelligence agent. According to reports, Nozette attempted to give up the information in exchange for $11,000.

Nozette allegedly worked for the White House’s National Space Council from 1989 to 1990. For the next nine years, he worked for Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s “Advanced Concepts Group,” which required him to obtain a top security clearance. He then ran a company that worked closely with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, NASA and the Naval Research Laboratory.

(Source: American Association for the Advancement of Science)

High national security clearance involves in-depth evaluations and background checks. Persons who fall into the gray area in which they do not pass with 100 percent certainty are denied. Violating a top security clearance is a severe crime that can result in harsh penalties.

For more information, or if you have a legal matter than involves national security clearance, contact The Edmunds Law Firm today.

 


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