Australia PM Calls Situation of Shackled Bahraini Footballer in Thailand ‘Upsetting’

By Paulina Duran and Panu Wongcha-um

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison expressed his concern on Tuesday regarding the treatment of Bahraini refugee footballer Hakeem Al Araibi, who was seen in shackles at a Bangkok court. Morrison conveyed to the Thai Prime Minister that this situation is a significant issue for many Australians.

Pressure is increasing on Thailand to release Araibi, who was arrested in November at the request of the Bahraini government. Both the Australian government and FIFA have called for Araibi’s return to Australia, where he plays professionally.

Araibi fled Bahrain in 2014 and obtained permanent residency in Australia, asserting that he would be tortured if returned due to his criticism of the Bahraini royal family.

Morrison stated that it was upsetting to see Araibi shackled during his court appearance on Monday, during which the court extended his detention for another two months. He reiterated the strong feelings of Australians regarding Araibi’s situation during an interview, adding that representations would be made not only to Thailand but also to Bahrain.

However, Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who leads the military junta, indicated that the government could not intervene in the legal proceedings surrounding Araibi’s case. He urged people not to politicize the matter or jump to conclusions regarding the court’s decisions.

Thailand’s Foreign Minister suggested that Australia and Bahrain should directly discuss a resolution. He emphasized that Thailand is willing to mediate if an agreement cannot be reached between the two nations, ensuring that Araibi remains under the care of Thai authorities in the meantime.

Araibi was previously convicted in absentia for vandalizing a police station in Bahrain and received a 10-year prison sentence. He maintains his innocence, claiming he was participating in a soccer match when the alleged incident occurred.

Human Rights Watch has reported that Araibi was tortured by Bahraini officials due to his brother’s political activities during the Arab Spring in 2011, a claim that Bahraini authorities deny.

Phil Robertson, a deputy director at Human Rights Watch, stated that Araibi’s case for returning to Australia should be straightforward, noting that this understanding seems to be lost on the Thai government.

In Thailand, many people have expressed support for Araibi, including former deputy prime minister Chaturon Chaisang, leading the hashtag #SaveHakeem to become a trending topic on social media. The local football team Chiang Rai United has also joined efforts to advocate for his release.

The Football Federation Australia has intensified its campaign to free Araibi, pledging A$10,000 to launch a fundraising initiative aimed at facilitating his return to Australia.