BANGLORE- The family of an Indian doctor charged in Australia over failed car bombings in Britain welcomed yesterday’s Brisbane court decision to reinstate his work visa.
“Haneef is happy and so is the entire family,” said Imran Siddiqui, a cousin of the doctor’s wife who said he had been nominated to speak on behalf of the family. “We are very gratified by the decision of the court.”Haneef has been advised by his legal team to ‘keep quiet’ until the Australian authorities decide whether to appeal, Siddiqui said, adding that the doctor was not in Bangalore.In Australia, Haneef’s lawyer Peter Russo said the court ruling had restored his client’s life and career, and urged Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews not to appeal, allowing Haneef to complete his medical work and specialist studies.But Andrews suggested the case was not over.”I don’t think today will be the end of the matter,” the minister told ABC radio.”It’ll probably end up on appeal and – who knows? – even in the high court one day.”Haneef was working at a state hospital on Australia’s Gold Coast when he was arrested on July 2 and charged with providing support to a terror group behind the failed car bombings in London and Glasgow.Nampa-AFP”We are very gratified by the decision of the court.”Haneef has been advised by his legal team to ‘keep quiet’ until the Australian authorities decide whether to appeal, Siddiqui said, adding that the doctor was not in Bangalore.In Australia, Haneef’s lawyer Peter Russo said the court ruling had restored his client’s life and career, and urged Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews not to appeal, allowing Haneef to complete his medical work and specialist studies.But Andrews suggested the case was not over.”I don’t think today will be the end of the matter,” the minister told ABC radio.”It’ll probably end up on appeal and – who knows? – even in the high court one day.”Haneef was working at a state hospital on Australia’s Gold Coast when he was arrested on July 2 and charged with providing support to a terror group behind the failed car bombings in London and Glasgow.Nampa-AFP
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!