Haneef to seek compensation

Sydney, Mar 17 (UNI) Indian doctor Mohammed Haneef, who was falsely implicated in a failed British terror plot, will seek compensation from the Australian government.

Dr Haneef's lawyers confirmed they will be seeking compensation over the handling of the terrorist charge against him.

Lawyer Rod Hodgson said, ''His treatment at the hands of the former federal government and the Australian Federal Police will warrant a substantial compensation payout.'' ''There are several grounds, including the effect on reputation and the wrongful imprisonment. But one important part of this case is not just what happened at the outset but also the period of time that Dr Haneef was kept in custody,'' he added.

Dr Haneef was employed as a registrar at the Gold Coast Hospital when he was arrested in July last year at the Brisbane Airport after his mobile phone SIM card was linked to car bomb plot in London and Glasgow.

He was held for 12 days before being charged with recklessly giving support to a terrorist organisation.

The Federal Government last week appointed former NSW Supreme Court judge John Clarke to head the inquiry into the terrorism case and to report by September 30. Mr Hodgson said his client will cooperate fully with the inquiry.

UNI XC SKB RAI0933