Haneef talks to wife, looks forward to daughter’s pic

A Morale boosting phone conversation with his wife has left Indian terror suspect Mohammed Haneef in good spirits and looking forward to meeting her cousin...

A Morale boosting phone conversation with his wife has left Indian terror suspect Mohammed Haneef in good spirits and looking forward to meeting her cousin who is expected to bring his new-born daughter’s picture from India, his lawyer said on Thursday.

Solicitor Peter Russo said Haneef was happier at the Wolston Correctional Centre in Brisbane than at the Brisbane watchhouse, from where he was shifted on Wednesday after failing to post bail.

The 27-year-old Indian doctor was in good spirits and looking forward to a visit by his wife’s cousin on Sunday, Russo said after meeting his client on Thursday.

Haneef has not seen his daughter’s picture. “He hasn’t had access to a photo,” Russo said, according to The Australian. “He’s very calm about where he is, and I think the phone call to his wife lifted his morale.”

Russo said Haneef had also asked for an update on the appeal to the Federal Court against Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews’ decision to cancel his visa. The matter has been set for hearing on August 8. Meanwhile, prison authorities said Haneef is being closely monitored and he seems to be coping well.

“Haneef reported that he had no complaints, felt safe and was being treated well,” Queensland Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence said.

Haneef is allowed telephone calls, as well as personal and legal visits.