'Over 68 pc Aussies disapprove govt's handling of Haneef case'

MELBOURNE: A majority of Australians disapprove the Howard government's handling of the case of Indian doctor Mohammed Haneef, who has been cleared of charges in connection with last month's failed terror plot in the UK.

27-year-old Haneef gained enormous support from Australians during his nearly four-week ordeal after his arrest in Brisbane on July 2.

Over 68 per cent of Australians voted against the government on its handling of Haneef's case in a poll conducted by the local TV channel 'Sky News'.

It seems Haneef saw the worst and best of Australian justice and attitudes. He was initially held under the new terrorism law and eventually charged for handing over the SIM card.

When a Queensland magistrate granted him bail, Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews revoked his visa on "character" grounds.

Meanwhile, mistakes and discrepancies were discovered in the material relating to the case, and there were leaks to discredit Haneef and a counter-leak by his own barrister.

On Friday, Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions Damian Bugg announced dropping of terror charges against Haneef, who is all set to leave for India on Saturday night.