'Political interference in Haneef's case'
Civil libertarians in Australia on Saturday said any inquiry into the bungled prosecution of Indian doctor Mohamed Haneef, who was cleared off terrorism charges, should focus squarely on the actions of the Attorney General and the Immigration Mini...
By PTI |
MELBOURNE: Civil libertarians in Australia on Saturday said any inquiry into the bungled prosecution of Indian doctor Mohamed Haneef, who was cleared off terrorism charges, should focus squarely on the actions of the Attorney General and the Immigration Minister.
The terrorism-related charge against Haneef was dropped yesterday after prosecutors abandoned their case amid revelations of mistakes in the case against him.
Australian Council for Civil Liberties national secretary Cameron Murphy said it was clear there was political interference in the case.
"Clearly there were three facts put out to the media in this matter that appear to be plainly wrong. First, that Haneef's SIM card was used in the UK bombing. Secondly, that he had the names of known terrorists in his diary. And thirdly, that he was plotting to blow up some Gold Coast building," he was quoted as saying by ABC news.
"I think we are entitled to know if any of these incorrect facts originated from ministers' offices, or if there's [been] any pressure exerted from the Attorney-General or another minister, or their offices, in relation to this investigation.
"I think it's all too easy to scapegoat the Australian Federal Police Commissioner and the Commonwealth DPP, when clearly ministers have been driving the commentary and the speculation over this case from the very beginning," he said.
The terrorism-related charge against Haneef was dropped yesterday after prosecutors abandoned their case amid revelations of mistakes in the case against him.
Australian Council for Civil Liberties national secretary Cameron Murphy said it was clear there was political interference in the case.
"Clearly there were three facts put out to the media in this matter that appear to be plainly wrong. First, that Haneef's SIM card was used in the UK bombing. Secondly, that he had the names of known terrorists in his diary. And thirdly, that he was plotting to blow up some Gold Coast building," he was quoted as saying by ABC news.
"I think we are entitled to know if any of these incorrect facts originated from ministers' offices, or if there's [been] any pressure exerted from the Attorney-General or another minister, or their offices, in relation to this investigation.
"I think it's all too easy to scapegoat the Australian Federal Police Commissioner and the Commonwealth DPP, when clearly ministers have been driving the commentary and the speculation over this case from the very beginning," he said.
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