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Cleared Indian doctor 'looking forward to working in UAE'

An Indian doctor cleared of involvement in the Glasgow Airport attacks last year is looking forward to a life of normality in the UAE.

  • By Kevin Scott, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 23:42 December 23, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • It was a heinous charge that was levelled against me. There was nothing to relate me to the matter at all, says Dr Mohammad Haneef, cleared Indian doctor.
  • Image Credit: Supplied Picture
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Dubai: An Indian doctor cleared of involvement in the Glasgow Airport attacks last year is looking forward to a life of normality in the UAE.

Dr Mohammad Haneef, who is now working at a doctor's clinic in Umm Al Quwain, told Gulf News on Tuesday it was "a heinous charge" against him and that he hoped yesterday's ruling would help restore his damaged reputation.

Dr Haneef, 29, was arrested on July 2, 2007 at Brisbane Airport as he was about to fly to India to see his wife and newborn daughter.

He was held for 11 days without charge after UK police and prosecutors said his mobile SIM card was found in the burning jeep that rammed into Glasgow Airport on June 30. It later transpired the card was actually seized when police arrested his cousin, Sabeel Ahmad, in Liverpool, England.

An Australian judicial inquiry into his arrest concluded yesterday he should not have been arrested in connection with the attack. His name was cleared in a report by retired New South Wales Supreme Court judge John Clarke, QC.

Dr Haneef told Gulf News in an exclusive interview yesterday he was glad to be back working after the ordeal of the last 18 months.

"It is a very good life here in the UAE; a very good environment to live in. The people have been very kind, especially the Indian expatriates; it sometimes feels like being back home in India.

"I just want to get on with my work; I was very pleased to get the job offer here in Umm Al Quwain."

Dr Haneef, who has been living in the UAE for the past six months, also said yesterday he would like an apology from the Australian authorities.

He said: "I will have to wait and see what happens. In terms of seeking compensation, that is a matter for my lawyer and I will act on the advice they give me.

"[The case] was a big media sensation across the world. It was a heinous charge that was levelled against me. There was nothing to relate me to the matter at all.

"I am very pleased that Mr Clarke made very clear yesterday that I am totally innocent. This report will go some way to restoring the reputation of me and my family.

"I was very frustrated at what was happening to me; it was all a big accident. I could not think of such things happening to me but this report will definitely have a huge effect [on my life]."

Failed airport attacks: Charges dropped

Dr Mohammad Haneef was held in connection with the failed terrorist attacks on Glasgow airport in Scotland last June.

A dark green Jeep Cherokee, carrying several petrol containers and propane gas canisters, rammed into the main entrance of the airport on Saturday, June 30, 2007.

Bilal Abdullah and Kafeel Ahmad, both doctors at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in the Scottish town of Paisley, were apprehended at the scene.

Ahmad died of his injuries in hospital on August 2 and Abdullah was sentenced to life in prison last Wednesday after being found guilty of conspiracy to murder at Woolwich Crown Court in England.

Dr Haneef, who is the second cousin of Ahmad, was detained at Brisbane airport on July 2, 2007 and later charged with "recklessly supporting a terrorist organisation." The charges were dropped in July this year and his name was cleared by an Australian judicial inquiry on Tuesday.

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