Oz not to apologize to Haneef fearing huge compensation payout

Melbourne, Dec 24 (ANI): The Australian Government has said that it won't apologise to Indian born doctor Mohamed Haneef because it could open avenues for massive compensation payout, after an inquiry has found Dr Haneef was wrongly charged and detained on the Gold Coast last year over suspected links to terrorism in the UK.

Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland said the Federal Government would not apologise at this stage of the legal process, News.com.au reported.

"My responsibility as the attorney general ... is to represent the interests of the commonwealth in litigation that is being foreshadowed," McClelland said on ABC television.

"Representing the interest of the commonwealth and the taxpayers of Australia, it's not appropriate for me to make any admissions."

Opposition Attorney-General spokesman George Brandis supported the statement.

"I think McClelland took quite a sensible position. Dr Haneef's lawyers ... are talking about large sums of money. It would be quite inappropriate ... for the Government to make any admissions that might expose the Commonwealth to a liability," Senator Brandis said on ABC television.

Earlier, Dr Haneef said that he has no resentment towards the former Howard Government over being held in custody for nearly two weeks without charge, but wants an apology and compensation. (ANI)