Refugee Footballer Hakeem al-Araibi to be Freed
Refugee Footballer Hakeem Al-Araibi to be Freed by Thailand Authorities
The report going round now is that the Bahraini footballer Hakeem al-Araibi who was arrested on November 27 upon his arrival in Thailand with his wife for their honeymoon is set to be released from custody after Thai authorities withdrew extradition proceedings against him. He was initially detained on an Interpol notice issued at Bahrain's request.
Mr. Al-Araibi fled his homeland in 2014 before being granted permanent residence in Australia, where he has since lived and plays semi-professional football for Pascoe Vale. He has since been sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment in absentia by the Bahrain regime for alleged vandalism based on his pro-democracy advocacy but denies any involvement.
Although Al-Araibi's release is yet to be officially confirmed, the footballer’s lawyer Latifa al-Haouli while speaking with SBS News said: "We won. They have to send him home as quickly as possible."
Mr. Al-Araibi fled his homeland in 2014 before being granted permanent residence in Australia, where he has since lived and plays semi-professional football for Pascoe Vale. He has since been sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment in absentia by the Bahrain regime for alleged vandalism based on his pro-democracy advocacy but denies any involvement.
Although Al-Araibi's release is yet to be officially confirmed, the footballer’s lawyer Latifa al-Haouli while speaking with SBS News said: "We won. They have to send him home as quickly as possible."
Also, one of the footballer’s major supporters, Craig Foster, a Former Australia captain has campaigned vigourosly for Al-Araibi's release and said his family had shed tears of joy upon hearing the news.
Mr. Foster tweeted: "My thanks go to the wonderful people of Thailand for your support and to the Thai Govt for upholding international law. My deepest gratitude. Also to everyone who stood for what's right.”
"Most important thing now is Hakeem's immediate wellbeing. Sure Embassy staff will take care of him, there'll be tears there tonight, as there are in our household right now. Going to take some moments to thank as many of the incredible people involved as possible.”
"Many wonderful people stepped forward to help Hakeem. They all deserve to be in front of camera now, not only me. I can't list them, but will thank each of them in time. My thoughts are with Hakeem's wife. Her nightmare will shortly be at an end. Our prayers answered."
A human right activist, Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei of the London-based campaign group, The Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy said: "This is a huge victory for the human rights movement in Bahrain, Thailand and Australia, and even the whole world.
"Hakeem's ordeal ended after 70 days when there was a clear public stance and solidarity movement. The football community, the human rights movement and all of those who dedicated their time and efforts to end this injustice were rewarded."
A human right activist, Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei of the London-based campaign group, The Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy said: "This is a huge victory for the human rights movement in Bahrain, Thailand and Australia, and even the whole world.
"Hakeem's ordeal ended after 70 days when there was a clear public stance and solidarity movement. The football community, the human rights movement and all of those who dedicated their time and efforts to end this injustice were rewarded."
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