Refugee Footballer Hakeem al-Araibi to be Freed

Refugee Footballer Hakeem al-Araibi to be Freed.

Thai court drops extradition against Australian-based refugee footballer Hakeem al-Araibi and sets him free

Bahraini footballer Hakeem al-Araibi is set to be released from custody after Thai authorities withdrew extradition proceedings against him.

The 25-year-old travelled to Thailand on his honeymoon and was arrested upon arrival on November 27, detained on an Interpol notice issued at Bahrain's request.

Al-Araibi fled his homeland in 2014 before being granted permanent residence in Australia, where he has since lived and is on the books of semi-professional club Pascoe Vale.

The 25-year-old pro-democracy advocate has been sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment in absentia by the Bahrain regime for alleged vandalism but denies any involvement.

Although Al-Araibi's release is yet to be officially confirmed, the player's lawyer Latifa al-Haouli told SBS News: "We won. They have to send him home as quickly as possible."