Scientist wins $3.5m in libel suit against a mother and daughter

The Boston Globe reports:

A federal jury in Boston awarded $3.5 million Wednesday to a former visiting scholar at Harvard University who brought a libel suit against a mother and daughter who had publicly accused the academic of fabricating her credentials, even attending scientific conferences to besmirch her reputation.

Saudi Arabian scientist Hayat Sindi sobbed when the jury announced its verdict in US District Court, said her lawyer David H. Rich.

“We’re thrilled and relieved,” Rich said in a telephone interview. “All she’s ever wanted is, frankly, to be left alone.”

Sindi sued Samia El-Moslimany and her mother, Ann, three years ago, saying the women had engaged in a campaign to “publicly embarrass, humiliate, and destroy” her by spreading lies about her on the Internet, through social media, and in e-mails to her professional associates.

Combat at Harvard.