Dec 18 2010
Former terrorism suspect Doctor Mohamed Haneef is back in Australia and seeking compensation from the government.
A doctor wrongly accused of terrorism has described Australia as a fair place despite returning to seek compensation from the government for his wrongful detention in 2007.
Mohamed Haneef arrived in Brisbane with his wife and daughter last night ahead of mediation talks with the government to begin on Monday.
The smiling Indian doctor told media this morning he was glad to be back.
“I’m very pleased to be here in Australia. My family and I love living here and [there are] still many of my friends here in Australia,” Dr Haneef said.
Dr Haneef was held for 25 days, including 11 days in immigration detention, in July 2007 after his mobile phone SIM card was linked to foiled terrorism plots in London and Glasgow.
His lawyers, Maurice and Blackburn, will not comment on how much compensation he is seeking, although legal experts have said it could be in the order of $1 million.
Dr Haneef said he would not be asking for a personal apology.
“It’s too late to expect that now,” he said.
“[The arrest] was a traumatic experience for me and my family as a whole. It has impacted on all areas of my life, especially on my career and my reputation.
“Coming back to Australia represents a very important step for me and for my family. I’m grateful to the Australian government and the Australian people for their ongoing support 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.”
Dr Haneef, who was working at the Gold Coast Hospital before his arrest, is considering a permanent move to Australia with his wife, Firdous, and three-year-old daughter, Haniyah.
“It’s a very fair place to live. I’ve enjoyed my work here,” he said.
