Haneef files appeal against decision of Australian Immigration Minster

Indian doctor Mohammed Haneef, charged by Australian police for supporting a terrorist organisation, has lodged an appeal against a decision by Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews to cancel his visa and keep him behind bars.

Sydney, July 18 : Indian doctor Mohammed Haneef, charged by Australian police for supporting a terrorist organisation, has lodged an appeal against a decision by Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews to cancel his visa and keep him behind bars.

The appeal was filed in a federal court for a judicial review of Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews' decision to cancel Haneef's visa and place him in immigration detention, his defence lawyer Peter Russo said.

The Minister's surprise move followed a Brisbane Magistrate granting Haneef bail on Monday after he was charged under Australia's anti-terrorism laws.

Andrews cancelled Haneef's 457 temporary skills visa on the grounds he failed the character test, the smh.com.au reported.

Russo said he had filed the appeal under the Migration Act 1958, and added that the appeal hearing could be more than a month away.

Russo also released copies of the documents served on Haneef by the Department of Immigration setting out the Minister's decision and supporting material.

Russo also confirmed that his client was on a list to be moved this morning, since his defence team had not yet posted his $10,000 bail surety.

Haneef will remain in police custody until his lawyers post his bond, at which time he will be moved to Villawood Immigration Detention Centre.

The Gold Coast-based doctor has been charged with providing support to a terrorist organisation allegedly involved in a failed plot to blow up a London nightclub and Glasgow Airport.

ANI