PITTSBURGH -- A federal appeals court said a Muslim scientist can't challenge the Department of Energy's decision to revoke his security clearance at a Pittsburgh-area firm.

Moniem El-Ganayni, formerly of Pittsburgh, had worked in Bettis Laboratories, which makes parts for nuclear warships since 1990, but was ruled a security risk in 2007 and fired in 2008. He is now living in Egypt.

The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with the energy department that granting security clearances is discretionary and beyond the review of courts.

El-Ganayni's attorney said he has not decided whether to appeal. The scientist contends he lost his security clearance after co-founding the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh and ministering to Muslim inmates.

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