Fired Federal Prosecutor Sues Justice Department, Alleging Political Dismissal
A former federal prosecutor has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice, claiming her dismissal was politically motivated. Sunita Doddamani, who served as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of Michigan, alleges her firing resulted from her involvement in prosecuting anti-abortion activists.
The lawsuit contends Doddamani’s termination violated various legal statutes, including the Civil Service Reform Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, and constitutional amendments. She was dismissed on April 13 without prior notice or justification. The complaint suggests her work on cases related to the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act) was the underlying cause of her firing.
The FACE Act is designed to prevent interference with reproductive health services, including abortions. Supporters argue it prevents violence against clinics, while critics claim it restricts free speech.
Doddamani’s firing coincided with the termination of at least two other prosecutors involved in FACE Act cases. The Justice Department announced it had dismissed personnel linked to ‘weaponizing the FACE Act.’ This sparked criticism from opponents who accused the Biden administration of targeting anti-abortion activists.
The lawsuit portrays Doddamani’s dismissal as a continuation of a trend during the Trump administration, where terminations were used to achieve political goals. It alleges adverse effects on her career, including financial and reputational harm.
The complaint identifies seven defendants, including Attorney General Todd Blanche. The Justice Department has not commented on the specifics of the lawsuit, referring instead to their previous statement on the terminations.
Doddamani seeks a declaration of violated rights, reinstatement, back pay, and additional relief. The case highlights ongoing tensions around the FACE Act, which was enacted to address violence against abortion facilities in the 1990s.
Under the Trump administration, the Justice Department limited FACE Act enforcement, reserving it for extreme cases. Additionally, 23 individuals convicted under the Act were pardoned during Trump’s tenure.