Hakeem al-Araibi, a refugee Bahraini footballer who was released from a Thai prison, talks to the media as he arrives at the airport in Melbourne, Australia on Tuesday in this picture obtained from social media. (Australian Council of Trade Unions/via Reuters photo)MELBOURNE: Refugee footballer Hakeem al-Araibi made a triumphant return to Australia Tuesday, ending a two month ordeal that saw him jailed in Thailand and threatened with forced return to his native Bahrain. Prime Minister Scott Morrison led celebration of Mr Araibi's release, saying many Australians' prayers had been answered. pic.twitter.com/5w8sbcjAEK — Optus Sport (@OptusSport) February 5, 2019Bahrain's reversal of Mr Araibi's extradition is surprising. "The guilty verdict against Mr al-Araibi remains in place.... (Bahrain) reaffirms its right to pursue all necessary legal actions against (Araibi)," the statement said.

Source: Bangkok Post February 12, 2019 04:09 UTC