The Hindu : National : Haneef settles for ‘substantial' compensation

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Wednesday, Dec 22, 2010
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National

Haneef settles for ‘substantial' compensation

Melbourne: Indian doctor Mohammad Haneef has struck a deal with the Australian government for receiving a “substantial” compensation for his wrongful detention, three years after the traumatic experience which he said had a serious impact on his life and career.

Dr. Haneef, 31, who was detained after being wrongly accused of having links to the Glasglow bombing attempt in 2007, returned to Australia last week to settle his compensation claim. He said the settlement would help him re-establish his career and reputation. His lawyers have refused to divulge details of the compensation, but said the amount agreed upon is “substantial.”

Dr. Haneef and his lawyers completed two days of talks with the government in Brisbane on Tuesday. The settlement will see legal action against the former Immigration Minister, Kevin Andrews, being dropped, AAP reported.

The mediation process was chaired by the former judge, Tony Fitzgerald.

“Part of the agreement is that the parties not discuss the details of the settlement,” Dr. Haneef's lawyer Rod Hodgson told journalists.

“Although I can say that Dr. Haneef will receive a substantial compensation,” he said. The compensation claim had also sought damages for lost earnings, interruption to his medical career, damage to his reputation and emotional stress.

Before the mediation talks started, lawyers had said the compensation could be up to 1 million dollars. “I'm very pleased and happy with the resolution of this matter,” Dr. Haneef, who is accompanied by his wife Firdous and three-year-old daughter Haniyah, told journalists after the meeting. He said he and his family still look forward to possibly returning to Australia one day. — PTI

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