NEWS

Haneef in good spirits

Source:PTI
July 19, 2007 20:43 IST

A morale boosting phone conversation with his wife has left Indian terror suspect Mohammed Haneef in good spirits and looking forward to meet a relative who is expected to bring his new-born daughter's picture from India, his lawyer said.

Solicitor Peter Russo said Haneef was happier at the Wolston Correctional Centre in Brisbane than at the Brisbane watchhouse, from where he was shifted on Wednesday after failing to post bail.

The 27-year-old Indian doctor was in good spirits and looking forward to a visit by his wife's cousin on Sunday, Russo said after meeting his client.

Haneef has not seen his daughter's picture, Russo said.

"He's very calm about where he is, and I think the phone call to his wife lifted his morale."

Russo said Haneef had also asked for an update on their appeal to the Federal Court against Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews' decision to cancel his visa. The matter has been set for hearing on August 8.

"He is still anxious to get it resolved, and he's concerned the delay will cause him difficulties with his career because he is studying to be a physician," Russo said, adding "And you can't complete these studies unless you have hands on (experience)."

Meanwhile, prison authorities said Haneef is being closely monitored and he seems to be coping well.

"Haneef reported that he had no complaints, felt safe and was being treated well," Queensland Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence said.

Spence said minor changes have been made to the intensive management plan for Haneef, who is being kept in isolation in the detention unit.

"Inmates can experience extreme emotional stress upon arrival at a correctional centre, and Corrective Services provide appropriate support to ensure the risk of self harm is managed accordingly," Spence said.

"Haneef is now being held in isolation in the Detention Unit, with access to a private exercise yard between 7.30 am and 6.30 pm," she said.

He has been provided with prison issue clothing and bedding, and items including a notepad, magazines and books, religious items and a television.

Haneef is allowed telephone calls, as well as personal and legal visits.

Spence said the Director General of Queensland Corrective Services, Frank Rockett, interviewed Haneef in person and approved the intensive management plans.

Haneef's management plan would be reviewed again on or before August 7, the day before his appeal hearing in the federal court.

Source: PTI
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