Refugee footballer Hakeem al-Araibi made a triumphant return to Australia on Tuesday, ending a harrowing two months in Thai detention, as his supporters called for an investigation into why he was arrested in the first place. “I want to thank Australia,” said a smiling Araibi, ending an ordeal that saw him jailed during his honeymoon and threatened with extradition to his native Bahrain. I will die in Australia and I love Australia,” he said. His detention sparked worldwide outcry and a protracted diplomatic dispute between Bahrain, Thailand and Australia that raised questions about the neutrality of Interpol and the writ of Canberra’s refugee protections. The case had also become a cause celebre in the football world, with stars like Didier Drogba calling for Araibi’s release and FIFA urging the Thai football authorities to intervene.

Source: Punch February 12, 2019 09:57 UTC