[Greens-Media] Haneef case puts terror laws under question

[Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)]

Haneef case puts terror laws under question

21.07.07


Australian Greens Senator Kerry Nettle today commented that the Dr
Haneef case is raising more questions about Australia's terror laws.

"The terror laws are so broad and give so much power to authorities that
they can be used politically," said Senator Nettle.

"This may well be what has happened in the case of Dr Haneef.

"No wonder members of the Australian community are concerned about the
power authorities have to detain people when they look at the Dr Haneef
case and think, "that could have been me!"

"Dr Haneef was held for 12 days without charge. Perhaps there was so
much pressure from the government on the Australian Federal Police to
come up with a charge that they made so many mistakes.

"Kevin Andrews needs to review his decision to cancel Dr Haneef's visa
because he was given wrong information when he made that decision.

"The mistakes that the federal police have made in this case are
inexcusable.

"The Greens opposed the terror laws because they are so broad and far
reaching that they can catch innocent people. After the election The
Greens hope to be able to work with the government to make the terror
laws fairer," said Senator Nettle.


Contact: Jon Edwards 0428 213 146