Fed: Swan baulks on apology for Dr Haneef

AAP General News (Australia)
12-23-2008
Fed: Swan baulks on apology for Dr Haneef

Federal Treasurer WAYNE SWAN says it's too early to say whether Dr MOHAMED HANEEF is
owed an apology for being wrongfully arrested and detained over suspected links to terrorism.

Dr HANEEF was detained in Brisbane as a suspect in the failed bomb attacks in London
last year but was later cleared as a person of interest.

A report by retired NSW Supreme Court judge JOHN CLARKE has found the Indian-born doctor
was wrongly charged and wrongly detained.

It also clears former immigration minister KEVIN ANDREWS of any improper behaviour
in cancelling the doctor's visa.

Opposition attorney-general spokesman GEORGE BRANDIS says the report proves the former
government had done nothing wrong and any apology was a matter for the current government.

But Mr SWAN says it's too early to say if Dr HANEEF should be compensated or if there
should be an apology.

AAP RTV peb/ews/fdf

KEYWORD: HANEEF SWAN (BRISBANE)

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