As pulished on News.com.au
Jul 28: RIVAL television networks offered up to $150,000 to buy the inside story of the detention of former terror suspect Mohamed Haneef.
The competition to buy the Indian doctor's story began even before Dr Haneef was released from Brisbane's Wolston Correctional Centre on Friday, after terrorist charges against him were dropped.
Channel 9's 60 Minutes and Channel 7's Today Tonight were battling for the rights.
Nine won out, with Dr Haneef agreeing to an interview shortly before he was due to leave Australia.
The interview will air tonight.
Nine would not say whether it had paid the former terror suspect for his story.
John Westacott, the executive producer of 60 Minutes, earlier confirmed the show's interest in the interview.
"We'd like the story, it's a big story. We'd like to talk to him," he said.
"The whole of Australia would like to hear what Dr Haneef has to say," Mr Westacott told The Sunday Mail.
A spokesman for Seven, Simon Francis, confirmed the network wanted Dr Haneef's story about his 26 days in custody on terrorism charges.
"We expressed an interest in interviewing Dr Haneef," Mr Francis said.
"But we are not engaging in any bidding for his story."
The scramble for Dr Haneef created friction within his camp.
Some of his legal team argued his story should have been available to all the media, and that Dr Haneef should not be seen to profit directly.
Dr Haneef's lawyer, Peter Russo, said Dr Haneef was "regretful" he was not able to speak to the general media before his departure.
He said he had tried to organise a press conference at Brisbane international airport, but that could not be arranged.
Dr Haneef wanted to say "a big thank you" to supporters.
"He feels very humbled by all the support he's received from the press and the public," Mr Russo said.
He said there were no conditions stopping Dr Haneef from talking to the media.
When asked whether he had made any decision to speak to the media, Mr Russo said he did not know.
"Once he's home in India, it's up to him and his family what he decides to do," he said.
Dr Haneef was taken to Brisbane airport about 6.40pm yesterday and kept away from the media.
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