Washington: The Obama administration is asking a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed on behalf of US-born radical cleric Anwar al-Awlaki who is said to be targeted for killing by the government.
In a court filing early Saturday, the Justice Department says that the issues in the case are for the executive branch of government to decide rather than the courts.
The department also says the case entails information that is protected by the military and state secrets privilege.
The lawsuit for al-Awlaki was filed by The Centre for Constitutional Rights and the American Civil Liberties Union.
The government says Yemen-based cleric is spreading propaganda over the Internet and is believed to have helped inspire a failed December airline plot and other attacks.
Bureau Report
First Published: Saturday, September 25, 2010, 14:17