The Hindu : Front Page : Haneef wants to go back: Russo

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Sunday, Aug 05, 2007
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Haneef wants to go back: Russo

Special Correspondent

Bangalore: Mohammed Haneef’s visa could be revoked under the Immigration Act even if the Australian Federal Court restores it to him on August 8, said Peter Russo, lawyer to Dr. Haneef, the Indian medical doctor wrongly implicated in the recent Glasgow terror attack.

Answering questions over phone from The Hindu on the eve of his departure to Australia after a week-long stay here, Mr. Russo said that Kevin Andrews, the Australian Immigration Minister was empowered to do so under the Act. However , this would be “a very difficult thing for him to do” Mr. Russo said.

When asked if Dr. Haneef would return if his visa was restored, Mr. Russo said, “He wants to go back, and he needs to go back.”

Mr. Russo dismissed as “nonsense” the recent statement by Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty to an Australian media outlet that Dr. Haneef’s case could “take years.” “If it takes him years to sort out Mohammed, I don’t know what he’s doing for the rest of his career.”

He added that Dr. Haneef is a “simple person, with a simple background. All he was doing was working as a doctor at a hospital and studying. He does not come from a sophisticated background.”

On the alleged interrogation by the Australian police of the suspended doctor Mohammed Asif Ali, a colleague of Dr. Haneef, Mr. Russo said “I think they did question him very early in the case, but I don’t think it is an issue anymore. I have had regular contact with Dr. Ali’s lawyer in Australia, and he has been keeping me informed of what’s happening.” Dr. Asif Ali’s suspension was a “totally separate” matter, he said.

Mr. Russo dismissed as “media speculation” reports that the Indian police had questioned Dr. Haneef after his return. Mr. Russo has been a constant presence around Dr. Haneef in public appearances.

He accompanied his client from Australia to Bangalore on the flight.

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