A judicial inquiry was ordered by the Australian government to sort out the embarrassing mistake made during the trial of Indian doctor Mohamed Haneef, who was erroneously accused of having a hand in a failed UK bombing plot.

The Australian government said there was a need to restore “public confidence” in the country’s counter-terrorism measures.

Former New South Wales state Supreme Court judge John Clarke QC will head the probe and submit his report by September 30, Attorney-General Robert McClelland said.

Andrews again

Former federal immigration minister Kevin Andrews, who faced criticism for revoking Haneef’s visa even after the case against the doctor had collapsed and all charges were withdrawn, said he will cooperate with the inquiry team.

None the less, he defended his controversial actions. “I’ll give no apology for my role,” he reportedly said.
The probe team will also examine other federal prosecutors and senior police officials, including Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty.

McClelland said Haneef will be asked to give evidence at the inquiry and Clarke will travel to India to meet the doctor. “Clarke has indicated that it would obviously be desirable for Haneef to be invited to appear,” McClelland said.

“To facilitate that, we will provide necessary assistance for Haneef’s meeting with Clarke,” he explained.

According to him, the inquiry was needed to ensure that the handling of the case did not dent public confidence in Australia’s national security agencies. “It’s essential that we maintain confidence in Australia’s counter-terrorism measures,” he added.