'No racism in Haneef case; it is about terrorism'

New Delhi, July 19: Denying allegations of racism in handling the case of detained Dr Haneef Ahmed, the Australian Ambassador here has said Indian doctors were still 'invaluable' to the medical profession in his country.

Countering the charges of human rights violations in the way Dr Haneef was handled in Australia, Mr John McCarthy told CNN-IBN that his country was simply acting upon the UK authority's request in connection with the failed terror attack on airports.

''We didn't have any choice. This is a case that was brought to our attention by UK authorities. We then acted upon it,'' he said.

Mr McCarthy also denied reports of racism over the Australian government's decision to revoke Dr Haneef's visa, shortly after he was granted bail by a Brisbane court.

''There is not a hint of racism that I have discerned in the treatment that has been accorded Dr Haneef...

''Indian doctors have been invaluable to the medical profession, and that continues to be our view. This is not an issue about racism- it is an issue about terrorism,'' he said.

Asked if the Indian government official note of concern and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's plea for a fair trial were unwarranted, he said he was not surprised.

''You have an Indian citizen involved. You have to look after the rights of the Indians overseas. This case has a high profile- it's totally consistent with diplomatic practice for the Foreign Ministry to ask to see me.

''But I would argue that he is being treated fairly. The laws under which he is being treated are terrorism laws and those are tough laws in a lot of countries. But I would argue strongly that he is being treated according to the law,'' Mr McCarthy said.

UNI