Treat Haneef 'justly and fairly' : India tells Australia

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

New Delhi, July 16 (UNI) India today expressed concern at the detention of Dr Mohammed Haneef, a doctor from Bangalore, in Australia for allegedly assisting terrorists and asked Canberra to treat him ''fairly and justly'' under the Australian law.

External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said the Indian High Commission in Canberra had exercised consular jurisdiction in the case and was assisting Dr Haneef's family in arranging legal assistance.

Dr Haneef was in ''good health,'' Mr Sarna said.

He said the Australian Police authorities had requested for assistance in the case which would be considered and decided upon in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Indian laws.

''The Ministry of External Affairs has expressed concern to the Australian government that Dr Haneef should be treated fairly and justly under Australian law,'' Mr Sarna said.

Giving details, Mr Sarna said Dr Haneef, an Indian citizen who was working as a doctor in the Gold Coast Hospital in Queensland, was detained late on the night of July 2 by Australian authorities.

The specific suspicion being investigated at the time was ''assisting a terrorist organisation.'' ''The High Commission of India in Canberra has exercised consular jurisdiction in the case. Dr Haneef is in good health. The High Commission is also assisting the family in arranging legal assistance,'' he added.

To a question on consular access to Sabeel Ahmed, the spokesman said India had not got it so far.

Dr Haneef was charged with ''intentionally providing'' a SIM card to a terrorist organisation under the relevant section of the Australian Criminal Code.

Today, an Australian Magistrate granted bail to Dr Haneef in the case against him. However, thereafter the Australian Minister for Immigration Affairs announced the revocation of the visa of Dr Haneef who has been detained under Australian Immigration laws.

This had been done on the grounds of failure in the ''character test'' on account of association with someone else or with a group or organisation whom the Immigration Minister reasonably suspects has been or is involved in criminal conduct.

UNI

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