SYDNEY, Feb. 1 (UPI) -- Australian Federal Police commissioner Mick Keelty recently voiced his opposition to allowing the media complete access to cover terrorism cases.
Officials say Keelty told the Sydney Institute that while terrorism investigations are under way, there should be no public comments made until the courts had made a verdict, the Age reported.
Recently elected Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced his continued support for Keelty saying he has the right to his own opinions. But Rudd said he doesn't support Keelty's call for limiting media coverage of terrorism cases.
"I absolutely have full confidence in Mick Keelty," Rudd said in a statement. "(But) the government has its own view and the government's view is that the media should abide by the laws of the land and I err on the side of the media giving full and frank coverage."
The Australian Federal Police recently drew criticism for its investigation of Mohamed Haneef, who was arrested in July 2007 and charged with supporting a terrorist organization. The charges were later dropped.
