Dr Haneef elated at "substantial compensation"

Brisbane, Dec 21: Indian doctor Dr Mohammed Haneef who has been wrongfully accused of being involved in a bomb scare in the UK, way back in 2007 has been declared innocent. He was detained for 25 days and in confinement for 11 days with the immigration department. His mobile phone SIM was linked to foiled terrorism plots in London and Glasgow.

The case had got a lot of media-attention after Haneef's work visa was cancelled and he was deported out of Australia. He was working at the Gold Coast Hospital at the time of his arrest. He was accused by the Australian Federal govt of being involved in the fake terror scare.

Rod Hodgson, the lawyer who has been fighting Haneef's case against the federal government said that Haneef will receive a “substantial" amount as compensation for the ordeals he went through. The amount is expected to be approximately $1 million.

"My wrongful arrest and detention in 2007 was a very traumatic experience and today's settlement was a chance to end this part of my life and move on with my family," Haneef said after hearing the judgment. An inquiry about Haneef's involvement revealed that he indeed had no information or prior knowledge of the attacks and that the Australian Federal Police had erred in their judgment and did not do a good job with the investigation.

Haneef who is working in the United Arab Emirates is in Brisbane since last Friday to receive the news. He also added that it was too late for an apology and a remuneration would help him reshape his life.

Haneef believes that Australia was a safe place to live and work despite the ordeal and would reapply to train as a physician in Australia and seriously consider moving back permanently.

OneIndia News