Haneef wins `substantial` compensation over bungled case

Melbourne, Dec 21 (PTI) Indian doctor Mohammad Haneef
has struck a deal with the Australian government for receiving
a "substantial" compensation for his wrongful detention, three
years after the traumatic experience which he said had a
serious impact on his life and career.
Haneef, who was detained after being wrongly accused
of having links to the failed Glasglow bombing attempt in
2007, returned to Australia last week to settle his
compensation claim.
The 31-year-old doctor said the settlement would help
him re-establish his career and reputation and stated that he
would consider returning to the country.
The lawyers of the doctor have refused to divulge
details of the compensation which was confidential, but said
the amount agreed upon is "substantial".
Haneef and his lawyers completed two days of talks
with the government in Brisbane today, and this will see legal
action against former immigration minister Kevin Andrews
dropped, AAP reported.
"Part of the agreement is that the parties not discuss
the details of the settlement," Haneef's lawyer Rod Hodgson
told reporters as he left the meeting.
"Although I can say that Dr Haneef will receive a
substantial compensation," he was quoted as saying.
The compensation claim had also sought damages for
lost earnings, the interruption to his medical career, damage
to his reputation and emotional stress.
The claim has been described as unique in Australian
legal history by his lawyers.
Before the mediation talks started, lawyers had said
the compensation could be up to 1 million dollars.
"I'm very pleased and happy with the resolution of
this matter," Haneef, who is accompanied by his wife Firdous
and three-year-old daughter Haniyah, told reporters after the
meeting.
"My wrongful arrest and detention in 2007 was a very
traumatic experience and today's settlement is a chance to end
that part of my life and move on with my family," he said.
He said he and his family still look forward to
possibly returning to Australia one day, as he thanked his
friends and supporters in this country and back in India who
he said had been a "great source of strength".
He said he would consider the prospect of reapplying
for his original job on the Gold Coast.
"It certainly will take some time to get on track to
get out to Australia. I need to get my registration sorted and
other things and I need to discuss this with my family," he
said, adding it could take less than a year. (MORE) PTI