Australian police ultimately brings charges against Haneef

July 14: After detaining the Indian doctor for thirteen days Australian Federal Police (AFP) has finally brought charges against Indian national of providing support to terrorist organization. These charges can bring a maximum 15 years of imprisonment for the doctor.

Dr. Haneef was picked up from Gold Coast hospital when his SIM card was found in possession of Sabeel Ahmed, suspect of the terror plot in UK. This ended the hope of his release which was brightened yesterday noon when AFP left its insistence on getting the detention period extended by the Brisbane magistrate court.

Australian federal police commissioner Mick Keelty said that Haneef has been charged for the recklessness he showed about the support he provided to main suspects in the failed terror attack in London.

Police commissioner made it clear that allegation includes recklessness rather than intention. Particularly the provision of his SIM card to the terrorists has been considered as a support and has been made the ground for charging the Registrar of the Gold Coast hospital, Brisbane.

Till yet two people have been charged for the unsuccessful bomb plot in London. The other is Iraqi national Dr. Bilal Abdullah who bears the charges of conspiring the bomb explosion on Glasgow airport and the only woman suspect of the failed car bombing, Marwa Dana Asha has been freed without any charges against her.

The specific charge against Dr. Haneef includes the provision of SIM card to terror suspects. Haneef reportedly moved to Australia one year ago from Britain and left his SIM card with his cousin which was used in terrorist activities. But still AFP could not establish a direct involvement of the doctor in the plot. So charged him with the ‘recklessness’.

On Friday the hopes of his release were brightened when AFP left their bid to extend the period of his detention. But this morning AFP decided to charge him. Today morning Haneef is to appear before Brisbane magistrate.

Dr. Haneef’s lawyer Peter Rossu told that his client became very upset after he heard of being charged. He further added that he will surely try to obtain bail. On the other hand police chief said that they will oppose the bail.

Dr. Haneef would be prosecuted in Australia unless British police find any evidence against him in UK, supporting the charge of his involvement in the failed car bombings.

Haneef ‘s wife expressed her anger saying that they could not find any evidence of his involvement in the plot so they framed charges of providing SIM card which is totally baseless.