Dr. Hatfill Sues the Feds

Claiming that by calling him a "person of interest" in the anthrax investigation Attorney General John Ashcroft and other federal authorities have ruined his reputation and his livelihood, Dr. Steven Hatfill has filed his long-threatened lawsuit against the government.

"Mr. Ashcroft acted to protect both his department's and his own political future and public image at the expense of Dr. Hatfill's constitutional rights," according to the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court.

Hatfill has been under constant surveillance, depriving him of the ability to freely talk to his girlfriend, family or friends, the lawsuit says. He is seeking unspecified damages from Ashcroft, the Department of Justice, the FBI and other current and former FBI and Justice officials.

Hatfill has vigorously denied any involvement in the anthrax attacks. According to the Associated Press, the government now admits that he is not a suspect and that no evidence links him to the attacks.

The scientist says he has been under intense surveillance, which has violated his right to privacy. Moreover, he charges that federal officials have deliberately leaked false and misleading information about him to the media.

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Steven Hatfill