Jail extension looms as Hakeem Al-Araibi pleads for help
Refugee footballer Hakeem Al-Araibi has pleaded for help after being told he faces at least another two and a half months in a Thai jail fighting extradition to Bahrain.
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Refugee footballer Hakeem Al-Araibi has pleaded for help after being told he faces at least another two and a half months in a Thai jail fighting extradition to Bahrain.
Shocking footage was posted on Twitter by former Socceroo Craig Foster, one of the leaders of the global campaign to have Al-Araibi released, showing the man granted refugee status by Australia five years ago shackled by the ankles and barefoot as he entered court for the start of court proceedings.
Al-Araibi was heard to call out, “Tell my wife I love her” and “Don’t send me to Bahrain”, before being told his case would be heard again on April 22nd – condemning him to nearly three more months in prison, on top of the nearly 70 days since he was arrested on arriving in Bangkok for his honeymoon.
On the footage, Foster – who last week lobbied FIFA leaders in person over Al-Araibi’s case – shouted “Australia is with you” and “your wife sends her love” as Al-Araibi was marched past by guards.
Tortured previously in Bahrain, Al-Araibi fears he will suffer more or even be killed if he is extradited there to serve a 10-year jail sentence for alleged criminal damage committed when he was playing in a televised football match.
A delegation of diplomats and observers from governments and sporting bodies around the world, including the Australian ambassador and representatives from FIFA, were present in court to hear Al-Araibi object to Bahrain’s extradition request, and be told he has until April 5 to prepare his case for release.
— Craig Foster (@Craig_Foster) February 4, 2019
Bring Hakeem home. #SaveHakeem pic.twitter.com/MlaxngHrmn
— Perth Glory FC (@PerthGloryFC) February 4, 2019
#SaveHakeem @FIFPro pic.twitter.com/4oXGSw5F3o
— Didier Drogba (@didierdrogba) February 2, 2019
His arrest is building into a diplomatic storm, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison having written to his Thai counterpart seeking Al-Araibi’s release but to no avail.
The 25-year-old was arrested by Thai authorities on the basis of an incorrect and subsequently withdrawn arrest warrant from Interpol, but so far the Thai government has ignored a global campaign for Al-Araibi’s release.
High profile footballers including Gary Lineker and Didier Drogba have called for him to be returned to Australia.
Previously a defender for the national team, Al-Araibi has been a vocal critic of the country’s government since he took up residency in Australia.
FIFA has already called for Al-Araibi’s release, but the Australian players association said the world governing body - and others such as the IOC and Asian Football Confederation - now had to take concrete measures to force Thailand to release its member.
“The next step is for the sporting community to call on FIFA, the AFC and the IOC to consider sanctions against Bahrain and Thailand,” said PFA CEO John Didulica.
“You cannot have the privileges of the international community if you are not prepared to live by its rules or behave by its standards. Seeking the refoulment of a refugee is a clear repudiation of Bahrain’s obligations as a member of the international community.”
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Originally published as Jail extension looms as Hakeem Al-Araibi pleads for help
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