Labor powerbroker Eddie Obeid home to rock star welcome

Freed Labor powerbroker Eddie Obeid was today welcomed home to the cheers of his grandchildren and the sounds of Lebanese drums. The trimmed down 76-year-old had earlier walked free from Silverwater prison. SEE THE VIDEO

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After three years in prison, former Labor minister Eddie Obeid has walked out of jail.

The former Labor powerbroker who made and broke premiers was released from Silverwater prison, walking to a waiting car parked in the visitor’s area.

Eddie Obeid leaving Silverwater Correctional Centre on Saturday. Picture: David Swift

Wearing a black cap and carrying a box of his belongings, a trimmed down Obeid was hugged by family members before he stepped inside a waiting car shortly after 10am.

Obeid was greeted by son Moses and lawyer Michael Bowe.

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With windscreen wipers obscuring vision inside the car, Obeid dodged the awaiting media pack as the car drove through the final boom gate.

An ecstatic Obeid greeted by family and friends after walking from jail. Picture: David Swift.

Obeid, 76, was granted parole last month after serving three years behind bars for misconduct in public office for failing to reveal his family’s financial interest in two Circular Quay cafes when lobbying a NSW bureaucrat over the plight of harbourside tenants.

Security stand guard outside the home of Eddie Obeid who is being released from jail this morning. Family wait inside to greet him. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Preparation for a “welcome home” party complete with Lebanese drummers and sweets are underway at Obeid’s Hunters Hill mansion. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Family wait inside Obeid’s home to greet him as his car arrives. . Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Obeid was greeted by loud cheers from his family and friends.

Obeid hugged by one of his grandsons.

The Right-wing faction leader was sentenced to five years jail, with a three-year minimum.

During his sentence, Obeid shared cells with sex offenders and murderers, with the former fisheries minister spending the past few weeks helping jailed magistrate Graeme Curran adjust to prison life at Kirkconnell jail.

Obeid then headed to the family residence in Hunters Hill for a huge welcome home party. Marquees had been set up in the backyard on Friday for the homecoming.

Originally published as Labor powerbroker Eddie Obeid home to rock star welcome