MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — The attorney of suspended Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore says three of his client’s law clerks have been fired.

Attorney Mat Staver tells Al.com in a statement Sunday that acting Chief Justice Lyn Stuart fired Moore’s head law clerk and two other law clerks. Stuart sent a letter asking Moore to remove his items and return his keys by Oct. 18.

A judicial panel suspended Moore for the remainder of his term after finding he urged state probate judges to defy the federal courts on gay marriage.

Staver calls the firings and order to remove personal effects “outrageous.”

Moore is appealing the suspension.

By the end of his term in 2019, he’ll be beyond the age limit of 70 for judges.

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