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Haneef's lawyer calls Aus minister a buffoon

By Vicky Nanjappa in Bangalore
July 30, 2007 12:14 IST

Indian doctor Mohammed Haneef's lawyer Peter Russo has called the Australian Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews a buffoon.

Russo, considered as a hero in the Dr Haneef household for bailing the latter out, made the statement late Sunday night while reacting to the minister's statement regarding protective information against Haneef.

Russo who is on his first visit to India said that Andrews was misleading the people and dared the minister to produce any protective information he might have in the court.

Haneef's case is expected to be taken up before an Australian court on August 8.

Russo said that it was necessary for him to come to India with Haneef as there was a lot of paper work to be sorted out.

'I WAS VICTIMISED'

Haneef, who heaved a sigh of relief on reaching Bangalore after a 27-day ordeal at Brisbane, said he was a victim of a drama staged by the Australian police. Refusing to comment on the manner in which he was treated at Australia, Haneef however managed to state that he had been victimised.

He however wished to put the past behind him and start life afresh. For him the biggest thing at the moment was to spend time with his family, he said. He said that he was especially happy to be with his new born child and also of course taste home food which he has been longing for.

Firdous Ahsriya, Haneef's wife who was beaming with joy said that it has been a long wait and she is thankful to God that he is finally back home.

I want him to spend some time at home and then we will go on a vacation, she said.

Haneef's mother-in-law, Farhat Jahan said that she always knew that he was innocent. "The tension has ended at last," she said.

Vicky Nanjappa in Bangalore

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