Firdous wants Haneef cleared of all charges

Bangalore, July 22: Firdous Arshiya, wife of Mohammed Haneef, detained in Brisbane on charges of supporting a terrorist group, today reiterated that her husband should be deported only after being cleared of all charges. Reacting to reports that Australian authorities were planning to deport him to avoid adverse political impact she said, ''I maintain, I do not want him to be deported. I want him to be cleared of all the charges. He has to come out clean.'' According to reports from Melbourne, the Australian Government was considering Haneef's deportation following widespread criticism on the handling of his case. Australian newspapers, quoting unnamed sources, said a number of political figures wanted the case against Haneef 'shut down' before more damage was done.

Ms Firdous said Haneef's cousin Imran Siddiqi, who is now in Australia to assist her husband and his lawyer, would meet the Indian High Commissioner tomorrow. ''Maybe he will also get in touch with Haneef,'' she added.

Mr Siddiqi left for Brisbane yesterday to assist him, especially in the judicial process. ''The role of Siddiqi will be to assist the lawyer in providing the information required and communicate the developments to the family,'' she said.

Haneef's lawyer had requested that a 'family person' should be present in Australia. ''Imran has travelled abroad several times and is a knowledgeable person,'' she added.

UNI