QLD:Haneef not angry as he seeks compensation

AAP General News (Australia)
12-17-2010
QLD:Haneef not angry as he seeks compensation

EDS: Correcting spelling of Haneef's first name in intro and abstract



By Jessica Marszalek and Gabrielle Dunlevy

BRISBANE, Dec 17 AAP - Indian doctor Mohamed Haneef says he's not angry about his wrongful
imprisonment on terrorism allegations as he seeks "significant" compensation from the
Australian government.

Dr Haneef, on his return to Australia with his wife and three-year-old daughter to
hold compensation talks with the commonwealth next week, said on Friday he harboured no
ill-feelings over his "traumatic experience".

The compensation claim, described by his lawyers as unique in Australian legal history,
stems from his wrongful detention by Australian Federal Police (AFP) in July 2007.

Dr Haneef was held in custody for 12 days before being charged with recklessly giving
support to a terrorist organisation when his mobile phone SIM card was linked to a terrorist
attack in the UK.

The charges were later dropped as prosecutors admitted bungling the case and the independent
Clarke inquiry cleared him of any wrongdoing.

Dr Haneef was working at the Gold Coast Hospital when he was arrested, and he now practises
in the United Arab Emirates.

He is seeking damages for lost earnings, the interruption to his medical career, damage
to his reputation and emotional stress.

At a media conference with his wife and daughter, he glossed over questions about his
poor treatment by Australian authorities, insisting he still thought Australia was a good
place to live and work.

He described his wrongful arrest and detention as a "traumatic experience" for him
and his whole family.

But, asked if he was angry, he replied: "At the moment, no, I'm happy".

"Coming back to Australia represents a very important step for me and for my family...

and I'm hopeful that the upcoming mediation will be an opportunity to resolve this matter
and give my family and me a chance to move forward," he said.

He would wait for the outcome before deciding whether to re-apply for work with Queensland
Health, he said.

"I like the place, I like working over there in the Gold Coast," Dr Haneef, who will
visit with friends on the coast during his 10-day stay, said.

"... We'll see how the mediation process goes and discuss this with my family."

Dr Haneef said his career progression had been delayed by his arrest, but he had experienced
few negative reactions from people.

"I've been grateful to the many people who come up to me and speak to me ... and show
their sympathy to me," he said.

His lawyer, Maurice Blackburn partner Rod Hodgson, would not reveal the amount of the
compensation sought.

But he said it was "significant" and reflected the "terrible injustice" done to Dr Haneef.

Asked to compare the doctor's case with that of Cornelia Rau, who received $2.6 million
after her wrongful detention in an Australian immigration facility, Mr Hodgson said the
matters were too different.

"This case is unique in Australian legal history," he told the media conference.

"And therefore in figures ... there's no ... tariff, for this type of case."

He said Dr Haneef was not interested in looking backwards.

"Dr Haneef is looking forward to the process of repairing what has occurred rather
than raking over, in any detail, coals that have been raked over by the Clarke inquiry,"

he said

Mr Hodgson said the case had "stained" Australia's reputation as a fair place to live
and work, and he hoped that could be repaired somewhat by the mediation process.

The mediation on Monday and Tuesday will be chaired by former judge Tony Fitzgerald, QC.

AAP jmm/crh/jl/de

KEYWORD: HANEEF WRAP (REISSUING)

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