No racial discrimination against Dr Haneef: Australia

New Delhi, July 28: Australian High Commissioner John McCarthy today dismissed all charges of racial discrimination against former terror suspect Dr Mohammed Haneef, and defended the action of his Government, saying it was based on the information given by the UK.

''We did not botch up the case. Our action was based on the information given by the UK. There is no racial or any kind of discrimination. The popular support Haneef got in Australia should lay all these doubts to rest,'' Mr McCarthy said in an interview to CNN IBN news channel.

Dr Haneef, 27, was yesterday freed of all charges in the failed Glasgow attack case. He was arrested on July 2 on charges of recklessly supporting terrorism by providing a relative in Britain with his mobile phone SIM card.

Mr McCarthy maintained that the Australian judiciary and the federal police were independent and commanded the respect of all.

''The due judicial process was followed right through. The incident shows that our judiciary remains independent,'' he said.

He did not give any direct answers to repeated questions on the possibility of Australia tendering an apology for the trauma Dr Haneef underwent.

''That is not for me to answer,'' he said.

Dr Haneef's wife, Firdous Ashriya, who also joined the live debate from Bangalore, felt there was no need for an apology.

''I don't want anybody to say sorry or feel bad in public. It can happen in any country. I thank the Australian High Commission for the help extended by them. But the same incident shouldn't be repeated,'' she said.

The High Commissioner also declined to comment on whether he was going to meet Dr Haneef's family in the coming days to express remorse over the unfortunate incident.

But he said he had great respect for the manner in which Dr Haneef and his family had handled the ordeal of being labelled a terrorist.

''I appreciate the dignity with which Dr Haneef and his family have handled the entire matter. It could not have been easy for them, but I do appreciate their attitude.''

UNI