Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jul 31, 2007
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Tamil Nadu
Staff Reporter
Mohamed Haneef
BANGALORE: A day after he returned to India following the Australian Government dropping charges of supporting terror activities against him, Mohammed Haneef on Monday felt that he was a victim of an “Australian conspiracy”. Answering a range of questions at a crowded media conference here, Dr. Haneef said: “I am not victim of international conspiracy, but of an Australian conspiracy.” Asked whether he was victimised because he was an Asian Muslim, he said: “There might be an element of that.” Elaborating on how Dr. Haneef was victimised in Australia, his lawyer Peter Russo said: “He was detained without a charge and the Australian Federal Police emptied all his personal belongings.” Dr. Haneef said though he did not expect any apology from the Australian Government or authorities, “I would appreciate if they apologise to my peace loving country and its citizens. Islam narrates peace and love. I am a true follower of Islam and I do not want anyone to be victimised in the name of Islam.” While Dr. Haneef parried questions on whether he would sue the Australian Government, Mr. Russo said: “We have not had an opportunity to sit and discuss it. We had bigger issues on hand.” Commenting on the case, he said, “We believe we have a strong case and will be successful. We need to restore his [Dr. Haneef’s] confidence.” Though mediapersons addressed their questions to Dr. Haneef, it was his wife’s cousin, Imran Siddiqui, who frequently cut in to answer much to the irritation of the gathered journalists. In fact, Mr. Siddiqui turned out to be a self-appointed moderator, who started the conference earlier by introducing four of his family members present on the dais. He even prevented Dr. Haneef from answering certain queries stating that they were “technical” in nature. Dr. Haneef refused to comment on the Glasgow terror attack as well as his knowledge about the radical leanings of his second cousins, Kafeel Ahmed and Sabeel Ahmed. He, however said: “It is humaneness in me that makes me to extend emotional support to their parents. It is not their fault.” Replying to a question, he said that he would meet them. Dr. Haneef said he wanted his visa back and would fight for it. Australian Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews should come out with the reasons for withholding it. “I have enjoyed my stay at the Gold Coast Hospital. I am saddened that until my work visa is returned, I cannot return to work.” Asked about his future plans, he said: “I have kept my options open and I need time to be with my family. I have my kept options open and leave it to destiny.” “Will you lend your SIM card out?” a journalist asked Dr Haneef. He simply smiled and said “there are ups and down in life.”
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