December
6, 2007 Haneef Probe Will Go
Ahead: Rudd By Neena Bhandari
Sydney
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says the government will
institute an inquiry into the failed case of Indian doctor Muhammad
Haneef, back home in Bangalore after charges of terrorism against
him were dropped and his visa cancelled.
The Australian Labour Party had committed to a judicial inquiry into
Haneef's case prior to the federal election.
"What we're on about is establishing the facts. We want to make sure
that with these tough anti-terrorism laws that we've got in
Australia that we've got the proper institutional arrangements
necessary for their enforcement and the proper checks and balances
as well," Rudd told reporters in Brisbane,
According to the Australian Associated Press, Rudd denied the
government was "raking over the coals" and said the inquiry was
necessary to ensure anti-terrorism legislation was kept accountable.
The government is seeking advice on how to conduct an official
investigation.
On Dec 1, incoming attorney general Robert McClelland had said there
would be a broader investigation into the doctor's case.
The Australian Federal Police, the Commonwealth Director of Public
Prosecutions and former immigration minister Kevin Andrews have all
drawn flak for the embarrassing faux pas in the failed case of the
former Gold Coast registrar who was incarcerated for three weeks
after being charged with supporting a terrorist organisation by
"recklessly" giving his mobile phone SIM card to people planning the
London and Glasgow bomb.
The charges were later dropped and Haneef returned to his family in
Bangalore after Andrews cancelled his 457 work visa.
Haneef's legal team is continuing the legal battle to have his visa
reinstated. His lawyer Peter Russo is keen for a proper conclusion
to the Federal Court appeal lodged by the former government against
the decision to return Haneef's visa.
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