Australia apologises to Indian-origin doctor
December 23rd, 2010 - 3:04 pm ICT by IANSMelbourne, Dec 23 (IANS) The Australian government Thursday issued a formal apology to Indian-origin doctor Mohamed Haneef, who was wrongly detained on terrorism-related charges three years ago, expressing the hope that he can now move on with his life.Haneef received a substantial compensation payout from the government this week for his detention in July 2007.
“The AFP (Australian Federal Police) acknowledges that it was mistaken and that Dr. Haneef was innocent of the offence of which he was suspected,” the AAP quoted the government statement.
“The commonwealth apologises and hopes that the compensation to be paid to Dr. Haneef will mark the end of an unfortunate chapter and allow Dr. Haneef to move forward with his life and career.”
The government also conceded that arresting, charging, detaining and eventually cancelling Haneef’s visa created “serious consequences for him and his family”.
The statement, which was released by the attorney-general’s department Wednesday, agrees that the terms of the settlement remain secret.
Haneef was taken into custody and charged with giving support to a terrorist organisation when his mobile phone SIM card was linked to an attack in Britain in 2007.
The charges were later dropped as prosecutors admitted bungling the case, and an independent inquiry cleared him of any wrongdoing.
Haneef and his lawyers completed two days of talks in Brisbane with Australian government officials Tuesday.
Haneef’s lawyer Rod Hodgson said the apology reaffirmed his client’s innocence and follows the resolution of the doctor’s compensation claim earlier this week.
“We congratulate the government for recognising an injustice done on the watch of the previous government and for this public apology and declaration of innocence,” Hodgson was quoted as saying. “The apology means a lot to our client.”
Hodgson said the Australian people would form their own judgments about former immigration minister Kevin Andrews’ refusal to offer his own apology.
“On one side we have ASIO, the Queensland Police Service, the findings of the Clarke Inquiry, the AFP and the current Australian government all prepared to declare that Dr Haneef is innocent,” Hodgson said.
He said Haneef’s family remained in Brisbane after the conclusion of compensation talks this week.
- Oz Govt. issues formal apology to Indian-origin Dr. Haneef over wrongful arrest - Dec 23, 2010
- Oz Govt. agrees to give Indian origin doctor substantial payout for wrong terror allegation - Dec 21, 2010
- Haneef to get 'substantial' compensation from Australia - Dec 21, 2010
- Australia is good place to live, says Haneef - Dec 18, 2010
- Haneef's lawyer silent on '$1m Oz Govt compensation' Indian media report claim - Dec 22, 2010
- Dr Haneef's lawyer Rod Hodgson receives justice award in Australia - Feb 18, 2011
- Haneef sues former Australian minister - Jul 01, 2010
- Oz Govt. admits inadequate evidence to declare Haneefs guilty - Dec 23, 2008
- Haneef case: Why was he charged, if he was not a security threat - Jul 30, 2008
- Howard Government was repeatedly told that Haneef was no threat - Jul 29, 2008
- Haneef seeks compensation, apology from Oz Govt. - Aug 29, 2008
- Haneef posed no threat, says Australian security agency - Jul 29, 2008
- Indian-origin Dr. Mohamed Haneef returning back to Australia for compensation talks - Nov 22, 2010
- Indian-origin Dr. Mohamed Haneef eyeing huge payout from Oz govt. over 2007 ordeal - Dec 18, 2010
- Oz not to apologize to Haneef fearing huge compensation payout - Dec 24, 2008
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