CANBERRA, Australia: An Indian doctor wrongfully accused by Australia of links to terrorists and held in 2007 has won a financial settlement from the government, the attorney general said Tuesday. Mohammed Haneef's case resulted in a government-ordered inquiry that recommended tougher oversight of Australia's anti-terrorism laws. Haneef said he was very pleased with the resolution. “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,” Haneef told reporters. His lawyer, Rod Hodgson, said the settlement amount was “substantial” but confidential. Haneef's claim sought damages for lost earnings, interruption to his medical career, damage to his reputation and emotional stress. He was working in Queensland state as a doctor when he was arrested by federal police as he tried to board a one-way flight to India. The arrest came days after one of his cousins allegedly drove an explosive-laden SUV into Scotland's Glasgow airport in a suspected terrorist attack. Haneef was linked to the attempt because he gave his cell phone SIM card to his cousin Sabeel Ahmed, one of the men accused. Police added that they thought it was suspicious that he had bought a one-way ticket. Haneef told police he was rushing to see his sick newborn daughter in Bangalore and planned to return. The doctor was held without charge for 12 days under anti-terror laws before being charged with providing support to a terrorist organization. The charges were later dropped when it was revealed that his SIM card had not been found in the Glasgow attack vehicle, as a prosecutor had claimed, but his visa was still revoked. The independent inquiry later cleared Haneef of any wrongdoing.
