Australian govt orders probe into Haneef case

Haneef was widely perceived as a victim of guilt by association due to a family link to the British terror plots. He was charged with a terrorism-related offence on flimsy evidence and then expelled from Australia for no legal reason.

Some critics accused the previous government of exploiting the case to demonstrate a hard line on national security ahead of elections. “It is essential that we maintain public confidence in Australia’s counter-terrorism measures,” McClelland told reporters. “All agencies involved in the Haneef matter have publicly acknowledged that there were failings.”

McClelland said Clarke would travel to India to take evidence if the 27-year-old doctor did not want to return to Australia.

Senior opposition leader George Brandis, however, said the inquiry should not be conducted while police are still investigating Haneef and any possible Australian links to the British terror plots. “It escapes me” how the inquiry can go forward without compromising the police, Brandis said.

McClelland said the inquiry would ensure the protection of national security and pending investigations, but that as much information as possible would be made public.

Australian Federal Police arrested Haneef on July 2 from Brisbane International Airport in Queensland state as he was about to board a one-way flight to India.

It was just days after one of his cousins allegedly drove an explosive-laden SUV into Glasgow airport in Scotland, in a suspected terrorist attack.