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Haneef challenges Minister: nothing to hide
by peptide Monday, Jul 30 2007, 12:25pm
national / injustice/law / commentary

Dr. Mohamed Haneef effectively challenged the Australian Minister of Immigration, Kevin Andrews, to reveal information relating to the cancellation of his visa. Haneef has nothing to hide as his challenge to Andrews clearly indicates, "I don't know what reasons he has [for revoking visa]. I would like him to come forward and give these facts," Haneef stated to the media in Bangalore. The onus is now on the flagrantly racist Australian government whose international reputation is in tatters over the scapegoating of an Indian doctor for purely political purposes.

AFP Chimp

Kevin Andrews maintained his silence stating that no legal power, institution or regulatory authority could force him to reveal his reasons – how convenient! Andrews attempted to justify his secrecy and distract from his government’s culpability by directing a condescending remark at the Australian people to the effect that he wonders whether they would like a bomb to go off in Sydney before they would ‘sympathise with the government’ [implied]. This citizen would respond to Andrews’ remark with information that many bombs have previously been exploded by Croatian terrorists in Sydney a few decades past. [NSW] State police expeditiously eliminated the previous real terrorist problem under existing laws. Kevin Andrews only draws attention to the incompetence of his own government by making such an idiotic statement; he further compromises himself by revealing his ignorance of recent terrorist events in Australia.

It appears that Andrews is unable to reveal information in relation to the Haneef case, as it would only further compromise the Howard racist government. I would remind everyone concerned that a man has suffered the most appalling character assassination by the orchestrated, selective manipulation of data by government ministers and the Federal Police. Only a broad and full inquiry into the whole affair would reveal the truth, notwithstanding the public is extremely familiar with the machinations and other unscrupulous political tactics of Howard and his senior ministers.

Foreign Minister, Downer, also unwisely weighed into the debate by making one of his usual inane statements alluding to a requirement for the government to ‘grovel on the ground and eat dirt’ over the Haneef affair! But to return to reality Mr Downer, a stupid gesture is not required BUT A SIMPLE APOLOGY IS! It takes a person of character to admit fault and apologise, doesn’t it Mr Downer?

Noted also at this very late stage is the Federal Police Chief, Mick Keelty, now accusing Scotland Yard of supplying him with inaccurate information regarding the notorious SIM card – a bit late Mick, have you forgotten the most basic policing activity is obtaining and VERIFYING information, especially in high profile cases! Keelty’s incompetence is emphasised by the fact that an AFP officer is resident at Scotland Yard for exactly that purpose!

At this stage it is clear that a broad ranging Senate inquiry is required.

Mick Keelty -- AFP Chief