The Australian government says it is stepping up pressure on Thailand’s Prime Minister to use his powers to set detained footballer Hakeem Al-Araibi free.
Al-Araibi, who appeared at an extradition hearing in Bangkok court on Monday shackled and in a beige prison uniform, formally refused Bahrain’s request to be returned to his homeland.
Al-Araibi, who plays for the semi-professional team Pascoe Vale FC in Melbourne, was granted refugee status and protection by Australia after fleeing Bahrain in 2014. He was travelling to Thailand for a belated honeymoon.