The former top US health official invoked the amendment as Republicans questioned him over COVID-19.

The former top health official said he would invoke his 5th Amendment right not to testify to avoid the possibility that Republicans might try to prosecute him for perjury.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, who helped lead the U.S. response during the COVID pandemic, invoked the Fifth Amendment ahead of plans to testify before the Senate on Wednesday.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) and other Republicans grilled Anthony Fauci about the origins of the virus that causes COVID-19.

Ex-health chief cites self-incrimination rights amid renewed Covid origins dispute