[Greens-Media] Dr Haneef deserves unreserved apology: Greens

[Norton, Tim (Sen R. Siewert)]

Dr Haneef deserves unreserved apology: Greens
Tuesday 23rd December 2008

The Australian Greens today called for an unreserved apology to Dr
Mohamed Haneef from the Australian Government, former Prime Minister
Howard and the Ministers who were involved in the bungled international
episode.

"The report of the inquiry due to be handed down today is expected to
show what was obvious from the start - an innocent man was wrongly
detained and deported, and his treatment by the Australian Government
throughout the whole affair was a failure of our legal, ethical and
moral standards," said Senator Scott Ludlam.

"What is desperately needed is an independent review of Australia's
anti-terrorism legislation. Some of these laws are draconian. They need
to have a use-by date or be repealed immediately because they are
inconsistent with our obligations under human rights instruments."

"Dr Haneef should be extended a warm welcome back to Australia by the
Rudd Government and the laws which allowed him to be held, deported and
his life derailed, must be reviewed by the Rudd Government," said
Senator Ludlam.

"Above all, this man deserves an unreserved apology from the current and
former Australian Government for the treatment he endured," he
concluded.

For more information or media enquiries please call Tim Norton on 0418
401 180