Haneef wants Australia to apologise
Bangalore, July 30 (PTI): Indian doctor Mohammed Haneef, who returned here after Australian authorities dropped terror charges against him, today said he wanted Australia to apologise to his "peace-loving country".
"I don't expect an apology from the Australian government or the authorities but I would appreciate if they apologise to my peace-loving country and citizens," he told a press conference here.
Asked whether he would sue the Australian Government for the trauma he had suffered, Haneef said "I have not sought any legal advice at this time. That will be later on."
"I would like to return. I want the visa back. I will fight on that," he added.
He said he had no idea why his work visa was revoked by Australian Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews. "I would like him to come forward and let out the facts," he added.
Haneef profusely thanked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, his cabinet colleagues Pranab Mukherjee, E Ahamed, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and the Indian Ambassador in Australia Prabhat Shukla for supporting him.
Haneef's lawyer Peter Russo, who waged a successful battle to free him, said the Australian Federal Police had taken every item of the doctor's personal belongings when they arrested him on July 2 from Brisbane airport.
"If this does not make a person feel like a victim of some sort, then what would," Russo asked.
Haneef expressed happiness at reunion with his family but said "I would like to return to Australia. I want my visa back and I will fight for it."
"I am overwhelmed with the support here and in Australia," he said.
Haneef said he was happy to be with his family and it was important that "we are all able to get on with life."
Russo said "we believe there is a strong case that his visa would be restored and we will be successful in this."
Asked whether Australian television network Channel 9 had struck a deal with Haneef for airing his first interview after release, the doctor's wife's cousin Imran Siddiqui evaded a direct reply and merely said the family wanted to thank the Australian people and "managed to give the interview."
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