Bahraini soccer player Hakeem al-Araibi scored the most critical, albeit symbolic, goal of his life today when Thai authorities released him from prison and dropped the extradition case against him. The 25-year-old refugee catapulted to global attention when he was detained by Thai authorities at the Bangkok Airport Nov. 27, upon demand from the Bahraini government. Bahrain had obtained an Interpol Red Notice warrant for Araibi's arrest, even though Interpol proscribes such action against refugees on behalf of their home countries. The Australian government was sharply criticized for passing along the notice to the Thai authorities prior to Araibi's arrival. Araibi had come to Thailand with his wife for a long-delayed honeymoon.
The Thai government has been under intense pressure to free Araibi. Araibi said he would face torture if sent back to Bahrain, as he is a member of the Sunni-ruled Gulf kingdom’s repressed Shiite majority. His appearance in a Thai court last week, shackled at the ankles, provoked further outcry.
