Australia invokes immigration law to detain Haneef after bail

The Australian government today dramatically invoked an immigration law to detain Indian doctor Mohammad Haneef, arrested in the failed UK bombings case, shortly after a court granted him bail.

Haneef (27) has had his visa cancelled and would be taken into immigration detention, Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews announced.

Brisbane Magistrate Jacqui Payne, granting bail subject to a few conditions, said the prosecution had not alleged any direct link between the Bangalore doctor and the botched car bombings in London and Glasgow.

Andrews said he used his powers under the Migration Act to cancel Haneef's visa because he failed the character test. Haneef's lawyer Peter Russo said he would appeal the government's decision.

Haneef was charged last Saturday with "recklessly" providing support to a terrorist organisation by giving a mobile SIM card to British suspects Sabeel Ahmed and Kafeel Ahmed in July 2006 before he moved to Australia. The doctor is in a Brisbane watch house since he was detained by police on July 2.

Civil rights groups attacked the government decision, raising questions why his visa was not cancelled earlier. "It is not appropriate for the government to just keep him incarcerated because they don't like the decision of the court," said Cameron Murphy, the secretary of the Australian Council for Civil Liberties.

Meanwhile, India has conveyed its concern to Australia over the arrest of Haneef and asked Canberra to treat him "fairly and justly" under the Australian law. India's concern was conveyed by the Ministry of External Affairs to the Australian High Commission here.

"The ministry expressed concern that Dr Mohammad Haneef should be treated fairly and justly under the Australian law," ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna told reporters here.

Reports from London said Indian doctor Sabeel Ahmed, arrested in connection with the bombings, was today remanded in custody till August 13 and would plead not guilty to charges of withholding information.

Ahmed, who appeared for the preliminary hearing in the City of Westminister Magistrate's court, spoke only to give his name, address and to confirm his date of birth during the 20-minute hearing. India has sought Consular access to Ahmed.