The diplomatic backing to the case of Mohammed Haneef got a push on Wednesday, with Haneef’s lawyer Peter Russo and relative Imran Siddiqui meeting the Indian High Commissioner to brief him on the status of the detained Bangalorean’s case. Russo and Siddiqui met the High Commissioner Prabhat Prakash Shukla in Canberra and sought assistance from the Indian government.

“The High Commissioner promised complete support from the people and the government of India in ensuring a fair trial for Haneef,” Russo said. Siddiqui, cousin of Haneef’s wife Firdous Arshiya, is in Australia to support the 27-year-old Gold Coast doctor, who has been charged with “recklessly” giving a mobile phone SIM card to cousin Sabeel Ahmed, allegedly involved in the failed UK terror attack. Ever since his arrival in Australia Imran, along with Russo, has been pushing for an audience with Shukla, to raise concerns about the alleged discrepancies in the way charges have been framed against Haneef.

Upbeat about review
The lawyer added that the decision by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions on Wednesday to review the case material could be a substantially positive development in the case. “Well, they have agreed to review the material... We are waiting for the outcome,” Russo said.

DPP Damian Bugg had earlier on Wednesday announced the review, in the background of concerns over alleged inconsistencies with regard to the case. A formal statement on the review is expected to be critical in the progress of the case.

Meanwhile, Russo is also pressing for an amendment of the charge documented against Haneef, citing inaccuracies in the way the Australian Federal Police has handled the high-profile case.

Amendment
On Wednesday, Peter Russo spoke to the prosecutors, calling for an immediate amendment to the wording of the charge.

While the DPP has agreed on the amendment, he proposes to delay it till August 31, when Haneef is expected to make his next court appearance.