FED: AFP accepts findings of Haneef report

AAP General News (Australia)
12-23-2008
FED: AFP accepts findings of Haneef report

CANBERRA, Dec 23 AAP - The Australian Federal Police have accepted the findings of
an inquiry into the bungled handling of the Mohammed Haneef case.

The inquiry into Dr Haneef's arrest on terrorism-related charges has found he should
not have been charged and the cancellation of his visa and his deportation should have
been deferred.

"The AFP agrees with the description given by the attorney general that the Clarke
report is balanced, thorough and constructive as well as considering it to be a comprehensive
account of the events and circumstances of this particular investigation," the AFP said
in a statement.

"The AFP is strongly committed to working with the Australian government to ensure
all the inquiry's recommendations are implemented."

But the AFP also defended its actions.

"All actions of police were undertaken in good faith and in the best interests of public
safety, given the circumstances at the time," the statement said.

The AFP said the inquiry, headed by former NSW Supreme Court judge John Clarke, QC,
had found no evidence of corruption or politicisation of the AFP, or of any mistreatment
of Dr Haneef by AFP members.

Some of the issues raised by Mr Clarke had already been addressed, the statement said.

The AFP was now working better with partner agencies, and sharing information in a better
way.

The AFP said Mr Clarke was confident that actions taken by authorities since the Haneef
case would prevent such a situation happening again.

The AFP said it had appointed a senior advisory team to review and implement all the
recommendations in the Clarke report.

AAP ca/kms/it/de

KEYWORD: HANEEF AFP

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