National

Pranab conveys India’s concern

Sandeep Dikshit

Pranab Mukherjee

NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday spoke with his Australian counterpart Alexander Downer and conveyed India’s concern over Mohammed Haneef’s detention and that he be treated fairly and justly under the Australian law.

The phone call was initiated at the request of the Australian side, said the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson. Both discussed the developments relating to Dr. Haneef’s case and agreed on the need to conclude a mutual legal assistance treaty.

Australian High Commissioner John McCarthy has denied allegations of racism and human rights violation in handling the detained Indian doctor’s case. He maintained that his Government’s decision to revoke Dr. Haneef’s visa after being granted bail by a magistrate did not amount to racism.

Mr. McCarthy said he was not surprised over India’s concern and its request for a fair trial. “You have an Indian citizen involved. You have to look after the rights of Indians overseas. This case has a high profile – it’s totally consistent with diplomatic practice for the Foreign Ministry to ask to see me. But I would argue that he is being treated fairly. The laws under which he is being treated are terrorism laws and those are tough laws in a lot of countries – but I would argue strongly that he is being treated according to the law,” the High Commissioner said.

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