On the 27th of November 2018, Hakeem Al-Araibi flew from his home in Australia to Bangkok Airport, Thailand, where he was detained because of an illegal Interpol Red Notice.
Hakeem is a permanent resident of Australia with refugee status as of 2015 when he fled prosecution and torture in Bahrain. Since starting his life here with his wife, Hakeem has become very involved in local sports and is now an important part of the Pascoe Vale Football Club.
The Interpol Red Notice relates to politically motivated charges issued in Bahrain against Hakeem. It should be noted that, since 2015 Interpol has said it would not allow red notices against confirmed refugees and asylum seekers from the countries they fled from. Although this means that Hakeem should have been released and allowed to return to Australia, Thai authorities have now moved Hakeem to Suan Plu Detention Centre.
Hakeem is now stuck in Bangkok with no legal representation, and no way of getting home. Professional Footballers Australia WA have created a fundraising campaign to raise the money Hakeem needs for legal fees to fight the Red Notice. The whole Australian sporting community has stepped up to show their support for Hakeem, as well as some of his international fans.
Hopefully with this help, Hakeem will be safe and home very soon.
Read more at A-League News and news.com.au