Haneef sues Andrews for defamation

Cleared terrorism suspect Mohamed Haneef has launched defamation proceedings against
the Howard government's immigration minister Kevin Andrews.
Dr Haneef's lawyers, Maurice Blackburn, said they lodged the suit on behalf of the
Indian-born doctor in the Supreme Court in Brisbane on Thursday.
A claim has also been made for unlawful arrest and abuse of power against the
Commonwealth government.
Dr Haneef had been working as a registrar at the Gold Coast Hospital when he was
arrested in July 2007.
He was taken into custody at Brisbane airport after his mobile phone SIM card was
linked to a failed terrorist attack in Britain that year.
He was held for 12 days before he was charged with recklessly giving support to a
terrorist organisation.
Then immigration minister Kevin Andrews was strongly criticised when he cancelled Dr
Haneef's visa, ensuring his incarceration, just hours after a magistrate granted the
doctor bail.
The terrorism charge was later dropped as prosecutors admitted to bungling the case
and conceded there was insufficient evidence.
Maurice Blackburn partner Rod Hodgson said Thursday's court action was the result of
the Clarke inquiry's findings.
He said the inquiry found Dr Haneef did nothing to justify his treatment by the
Howard government and the Australian Federal Police.
Mr Hodgson said his firm was in negotiations with the Commonwealth and the claims
may never be pursued.
"We do not intend to advance Dr Haneef's matter through the courts unless
negotiations with the government appear unlikely to be satisfactory to Dr Haneef,"
he said in a statement.
"The proceedings have been filed on behalf of Dr Haneef simply as a safeguard to
protect his legal rights with regard to the time limits which apply to the various
legal actions."
Mr Hodgson said the discussions with the Commonwealth were confidential.