PITTSBURGH -- A Muslim scientist who claimed his rights were violated when the Department of Energy revoked his security clearance left the country after 28 years and returned to his native Egypt after losing his federal lawsuit.

Moniem El-Ganayni, 57, worked at the Bettis Laboratory, which makes parts for nuclear warships, in West Mifflin for more than 17 years. His security clearance was revoked last late year and he was fired in May.

The Energy Department said it had reliable information that El-Ganayni was a security risk but refused to let him see any evidence or defend himself. The department said its reasons were classified and could violate national security if made public.

El-Ganayni, who became a U.S. citizen in 1988, sued in federal court in Pittsburgh, claiming he was being retaliated against for comments he made opposing the Iraq war and President George W. Bush's treatment of Muslims after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

While there is no constitutional right to a security clearance, El-Ganayni said he should have been given the opportunity to challenge the accusations.

On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Terrence McVerry dismissed his suit. El-Ganayni returned to Cairo on Wednesday, accompanied by his wife.

The American Civil Liberties Union plans to appeal McVerry's decision. If it is successful, El-Ganayni said he will return to Pittsburgh, but in the meantime is angling for a job as a physics professor in Egypt.