The public inquiry panel probing the botched handling of the Mohamed Haneef case on Monday said it will not interview him as it was satisfied with the submission provided by the lawyers of the Indian medic who was wrongly accused of terrorism in Australia.
Former New South Wales Supreme Court judge John Clarke, who is heading the inquiry commission, said he had been willing to speak with Haneef either in Australia or overseas, but has now decided it was not necessary.
"In May, Haneef's representatives, on his behalf, provided me with a comprehensive submission, which has been published on the inquiry's website," he was quoted as saying by the Australian Associated Press.
"This submission has been very helpful and I consider it is sufficient for me to be able to understand Haneef's experience and position," Clarke said adding, the 28-year-old Indian doctor had not asked to be interviewed.
Clarke also announced that his inquiry panel would hold a public forum in Sydney on September 22 on the effect of terrorism laws relevant to the case of Haneef.
The Australian police had received severe flak for its handling of the case of Haneef, who was kept in detention for three weeks following his arrest at Brisbane airport on July 2 last year in connection with the failed London car bombings, only to be absolved later of terror charges.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) had last week dropped its probe into the case, saying "there is insufficient evidence to institute proceedings against Dr Haneef for any criminal offence".
