Haneef suspects racism, conspiracy behind ordeal

Bangalore, July 30 (UNI) Freed Indian doctor Mohammed Haneef today saw an ''element of racism'' in his 27-day ordeal in Australia after he was detained as a terror suspect in the failed Glasgow International Airport attack and said he was a victim of an ''Australian conspiracy''.

Addressing a crowded press conference, Dr Haneef replied in the affirmative when he was asked if he was a victim of racism and said ''there is an element of that.'' Stating that he was a victim of an Australian conspiracy and not an International one, he said he did not expect Australian authorities to offer apology to him. ''I will be happy if the Australian Government apologised for the peace loving people of India,'' if not for him individually.

Replying to a question he said, ''I want my visa back and work in Australia. I will fight for it.'' He said, ''I do not want anybody to be victimised in the name of terror''.

Asked whether he would sue the Australian Government for compensation, Dr Haneef said ''I have to take legal advice in the matter,'' adding, ''this may follow later.'' His Australian Counsel Peter Russo said they had not discussed the matter in depth.

He said he was a true Islam follower which preached peace and love. He thanked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy who stood by him during the crisis.

Earlier, he called on the Chief Minister at his home office.

Mr Kumaraswamy, who handed over a bouquet of flowers, assured all help to him.

Dr Haneef had returned to Bangalore last night along with Mr Russo and his cousin Imran Siddiqui after he was released by the Australian authorites which dropped the charges against him.

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UNI