Hakeem al-Araibi’s goal realised: freedom in a nation he loves

Footballer and refugee Hakeem al-Araibi is yet to ­become a citizen, but yesterday he declared: ‘Australia is my country.’

Former Socceroo Craig Foster with Hakeem al-Araibi at Melbourne airport yesterday. Picture: Getty Images.

Bahraini footballer and refugee Hakeem al-Araibi is yet to ­become an Australian citizen but his first priority after he touched down at Melbourne airport yesterday was to declare: “Australia is my country.”

The 25-year-old protection visa-holder thanked the Australian government, diplomats and former Socceroo Craig Foster after he was freed following 11 weeks in a Bangkok jail.

“It’s amazing to see all the ­people here,” Mr Araibi said, as fellow footballers, members of Australia’s Bahrainian community, human rights activists and unionists gave him a hero’s welcome. “The Australian people and the media have supported me and I just want to thank the Australian government, the Australian people, human rights (campaigners).

“I will be more strong for this. I will be strong just for Australia.

“Australia is my country. I don’t have citizenship yet, but my country is Australia. I love Australia. Thank you very much.”

Mr Araibi was released from prison on Monday night after Bahrain withdrew its request to have him extradited to the country he fled in 2014 after being ­arrested and tortured for participating in pro-democracy activities. He had been detained by Thai authorities acting on an Interpol red notice issued by Bahrain after the Gulf kingdom became aware Mr Araibi had travelled to Thailand on his honeymoon.

Foster, a former Socceroo captain, led the international campaign to have the young footballer freed and said Mr Araibi’s first priority was to see his wife. His next would be to assure football fans he was fit to play for his beloved Pascoe Vale Football Club in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.

“He said, ‘I’m in good condition’ and he wants to go and play, and I said, ‘What’s that shirt?’ and he said, ‘This is my Pascoe Vale shirt, but I feel strong, Craig, I’ve been training in prison’. That’s how much he loves the game.”

Mr Araibi’s wife was not at the airport yesterday. She has kept a low profile for fear of reprisals against her family in Bahrain.

In a statement, she said her heart was full of gratitude.

“I’m especially grateful for all people who support Hakeem in the world; and I’m also grateful that finally this nightmare has ended,” she said.

Mr Araibi’s family in Bahrain said they were also deeply thankful for his release.

“Nonetheless, this indescribable joy would be greater when Hakeem’s detained acquaintances and compatriots are freed from Bahrain’s prisons of persecution,” the family said.