[Greens-Media] Greens challenge Andrews, Labor, over Haneef

[Belfield, Emma (Sen B. Brown)]

The decision by Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews to hold Dr Mohamed
Haneef in Villawood Detention Centre, overriding the Queensland
magistrate's grant of bail will unnecessarily threaten Australia's name
overseas, Greens Leader Bob Brown said today.

"This is a politician overriding the judiciary.  It is also domestic
politics overriding international reputation - a hallmark of Howard
government politicking which has made Australia a less democratic, fair
and secure country," Senator Brown said.

"The Labor Opposition, in a repeat of its Tampa timidity, is failing to
keep the government accountable.  

Senator Brown called on Minister Andrews to release or describe what
information about Haneef, if any, was available to him but unavailable
to the magistrate.