Haneef hopeful of Oz ordering judicial inquiry

Bangalore, Feb 19: Dr Mohammad Haneef, acquitted of charges of terrorism by an Australian court, today expressed confidence that the Australian government will render justice by ordering a judicial inquiry into the entire episode of his arrest.

''I am confident that the Australian government will conduct a judicial inquiry into my case and take a fair stand once the inquiry report is submitted,'' Dr Haneef told newspersons here. However, Dr Haneef refused to comment on the reported statement by Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Mick Keelty that the government had refused to provide compensation to Dr Haneef.

Dr Haneef said he had not decided whether to return to Australia though his work permit was restored through a court order. He refused to comment when asked whether he would demand compensation from Australian authorities.

Dr Haneef's cousing Mr Imran Siddiqui, who was with him during his troubled days, said they had received ''very positive feeler from the present Australian government that Dr Haneef's case was a complete blunder committed by the previous government.'' ''We are very hopeful that the Australian government will conduct a judicial inquiry into the whole episode,'' he added.

Mr Imran said ''though the issue of compensation is always there, we are waiting to see what will be the Australian government's stand on the issue".

UNI