Australia - Haneef linked to radicals in MI5 probe (London/Glasgow bombings)

Courier-Mail (Australia) (excerpt) ^ | August 2, 2007 | Renee Viellaris, Ian McPhedran, Margaret Wenham

[HAL9000]

FREED terror suspect Mohamed Haneef was regularly in contact with Islamic radicals under surveillance by British spy agency MI5.

Highly classified intelligence documents leaked yesterday reveal the former Gold Coast doctor – still considered a person of interest by British and Australian investigators – made contact using medical chat rooms, international phone cards and phone boxes.

The intelligence suggests this was to avoid detection and suspicion.

Leaked dossier

The leaked dossier, part of the information that formed a key plank in Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews' decision to revoke Dr Haneef's visa, alleges the Indian-born doctor spoke to a number of suspects about a "project" and a "purpose" before the failed UK bombings.

However, it's understood the intelligence does not contain information about a terrorist attack in Australia and only believes Dr Haneef to be on the outer edge of a large group of like-minded people.

Al-Qaeda claim

But it comes as Indian police intelligence alleged Dr Haneef had links to Al-Qaeda.

He remains under surveillance in India by at least two law enforcement agencies.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty yesterday said Dr Haneef could face further charges.

"It's still potentially possible that a brief of evidence will be submitted against Dr Haneef," he said.

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[HAL9000]

Links to the dossiers posted here -

Transcript of Australian Police Questioning Mohammed Haneef

[Maynerd]

But I thought this poor lovable chap was a victim of Aussie islamophobia and xenophobia? /s

[Jakarta ex-pat]

My guess is that they set him free to catch bigger fish.