BANGALORE - The family of an Indian doctor charged in Australia over failed car bombings in Britain welcomed Tuesday’s Brisbane court decision to reinstate his work visa.
But Mohammed Haneef’s relatives added that any celebrations would be kept on hold until Australian authorities decide whether to appeal the ruling.
“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.”
The court restored Haneef’s visa, opening the way for him to return to work.
But the Australian immigration ministry still has three weeks to appeal, according to Siddiqui, who travelled to Australia last month to escort Haneef back home to this southern Indian city.
“We hope they won’t appeal and the matter ends here,” he told AFP. “If they do appeal, the case will drag on.”
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.
Tuesday 21 August, 2007
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