https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/47127191
Football Federation Australia (FFA) has pledged A$10,000 (£5,567) in a bid to help return jailed Bahraini refugee player Hakeem al-Araibi from Thailand.
Court to begin footballer extradition hearing Monday
-
StevePIraq
- Rock Star
- Posts: 3048
- Joined: Sat Jun 28, 2008 1:21 pm
- Location: Ting Tong Land
Re: Court to begin footballer extradition hearing Monday
"Live everyday as if it were your last because someday you're going to be right." Muhammad Ali
Re: Court to begin footballer extradition hearing Monday
Perfect example of the logic of those running the country, and I doubt it will improve any time soon. It is no problem to invoke their be all, end all, section 44 when it suits them, but suddenly the "law" now has to be followed!
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Araibi has new ally in Twitter
https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/genera ... in-twitter
The government insisted Tuesday that the justice system must be allowed to run its course in the case involving the extradition of Bahraini footballer Hakeem al-Araibi, as a social media campaign against his extradition using the hashtag #BoycottThailand gathers steam.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said the case would be tried in court in compliance with Thai judicial procedures and the government is not in a position to interfere.
He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been seeking cooperation from Bahrain and Australia to engage in dialogue so a satisfactory solution can be found.
Talking about the campaign, Gen Prayut urged people not to get involved.
He said the government would do its best to ensure ties with both countries are not soured.
His appeal had no effect. If anything, it inflamed the Twitterati even more.
On Tuesday evening, three hashtags dominated the social media site: #BoycottThailand, #SaveHakeem and a counter-punch by mostly Thai tweeters - #SaveThailand.
The latter hashtag consisted mostly of tweets that either defended the "fair" court system currently mulling the refugee footballer's fate, or put the blame back on Australia.Photos of al-Araibi being taken to the Criminal Court in shackles on Monday went worldwide and drew massive negative comments. (Reuters photo)
On Monday, Mr Araibi was taken from Bangkok Remand Prison to the Criminal Court, where public prosecutors sought an order to extradite him to Bahrain. The pictures of Mr Araibi hobbling into court in shackles sent ripples of shock around the world.
In Canberra, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he was "disturbed" by the photos, and protested to Gen Prayut.
Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said Thailand was willing to act as a facilitator if Australia and Bahrain agree to sit down and talk.
Pol Col Naras Savestanan, director-general of the Corrections Department, said the use of anklecuffs was a carefully weighed decision. Section 21 of the Corrections Act authorises warders to use shackles on detainees when they are brought out of a prison.
“Warders considered the detainee is of interest to society and could impact international relations. As a result they decided to put anklecuffs on him,” Pol Col Naras said.
The Corrections Department risked facing human rights criticism, Pol Col Naras said, but the public should understand that officials had to ensure the safe transportation of detainees and prevent any attempt at escape.
Chatchom Akapin, director-general of the International Affairs Department at the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG), said Mr Araibi’s alleged crime was not a political offence, which meets the criteria for extradition under Thai law, even though Thailand and Bahrain do not have an extradition treaty.
“Thailand is stuck in the middle,” he said. “We won’t show favouritism to either side. We'll just consider the case based on the law and the need to maintain neutrality. The final decision is up the court.”
A source at the Immigration Bureau said bureau chief Pol Lt Gen Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn will meet the Australian ambassador Wednesday to explain the extradition proceedings and discuss possible solutions.
The bureau has asked Australian authorities to send documents regarding Mr Araibi’s refugee status in Australia, and the reasons why it is against his extradition, so that Thai authorities will forward them to the court for consideration, the source said.
On Monday, Mr Araibi told the Criminal Court he refuses to be voluntarily extradited to Bahrain, which has asked for his return to serve a prison sentence for a crime he denies committing.
His rejection means a hearing will be held to determine his fate. He claims he would be tortured if sent back to the country of his birth.
His supporters say he is protected by his refugee status with Australian residency.
A court filing last week by prosecutors noted that extradition is still possible if Bahrain makes an official request, which it did, and if the crime is punishable by over a year in prison, and is not politically motivated or a military violation, which also appears to be the case.
The Bahraini government insists Mr Araibi be treated as a convicted fugitive.
It said the footballer would have the chance to appeal in its own domestic courts.
The Bangkok court has set an April 22 date for its next hearing.
Thai officials previously said the process could be lengthy, depending on how many witnesses each side call.
Mr Araibi, 25, a former Bahraini national team player, says he fled his home country due to political repression. Bahrain wants him returned to serve a 10-year prison sentence he received in absentia in 2014.
He was detained upon his arrival in Bangkok in November while on honeymoon, and subsequently was held pending the completion of the extradition request by Bahrain.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison sent a letter last month urging Thailand to stop the extradition, and football governing bodies and human rights activists have urged the country to let him return to Australia, where he lives and plays for a semi-professional team in Melbourne.
Shortly after the court set the April 22 date, the Australian ambassador to Thailand issued a statement saying the Bahrain government knew very well that Mr Araibi had lived in Australia since 2014.
During those four years, it did not attempt to ask Australia about him. It waited until he ventured to Bangkok, the statement said.
....................................................................................................................
Interpol Australia issued the Red Notice request to detain Mr Araibi, although that notice was later withdrawn as it turned out it never should have been issued.
As far as I am aware there is no such thing as "Interpol Australia", but there is an office of Interpol in Australia.
But then, Thais are not ones to let the truth get in the way of a good story.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Araibi has new ally in Twitter
https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/genera ... in-twitter
The government insisted Tuesday that the justice system must be allowed to run its course in the case involving the extradition of Bahraini footballer Hakeem al-Araibi, as a social media campaign against his extradition using the hashtag #BoycottThailand gathers steam.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said the case would be tried in court in compliance with Thai judicial procedures and the government is not in a position to interfere.
He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been seeking cooperation from Bahrain and Australia to engage in dialogue so a satisfactory solution can be found.
Talking about the campaign, Gen Prayut urged people not to get involved.
He said the government would do its best to ensure ties with both countries are not soured.
His appeal had no effect. If anything, it inflamed the Twitterati even more.
On Tuesday evening, three hashtags dominated the social media site: #BoycottThailand, #SaveHakeem and a counter-punch by mostly Thai tweeters - #SaveThailand.
The latter hashtag consisted mostly of tweets that either defended the "fair" court system currently mulling the refugee footballer's fate, or put the blame back on Australia.Photos of al-Araibi being taken to the Criminal Court in shackles on Monday went worldwide and drew massive negative comments. (Reuters photo)
On Monday, Mr Araibi was taken from Bangkok Remand Prison to the Criminal Court, where public prosecutors sought an order to extradite him to Bahrain. The pictures of Mr Araibi hobbling into court in shackles sent ripples of shock around the world.
In Canberra, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he was "disturbed" by the photos, and protested to Gen Prayut.
Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said Thailand was willing to act as a facilitator if Australia and Bahrain agree to sit down and talk.
Pol Col Naras Savestanan, director-general of the Corrections Department, said the use of anklecuffs was a carefully weighed decision. Section 21 of the Corrections Act authorises warders to use shackles on detainees when they are brought out of a prison.
“Warders considered the detainee is of interest to society and could impact international relations. As a result they decided to put anklecuffs on him,” Pol Col Naras said.
The Corrections Department risked facing human rights criticism, Pol Col Naras said, but the public should understand that officials had to ensure the safe transportation of detainees and prevent any attempt at escape.
Chatchom Akapin, director-general of the International Affairs Department at the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG), said Mr Araibi’s alleged crime was not a political offence, which meets the criteria for extradition under Thai law, even though Thailand and Bahrain do not have an extradition treaty.
“Thailand is stuck in the middle,” he said. “We won’t show favouritism to either side. We'll just consider the case based on the law and the need to maintain neutrality. The final decision is up the court.”
A source at the Immigration Bureau said bureau chief Pol Lt Gen Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn will meet the Australian ambassador Wednesday to explain the extradition proceedings and discuss possible solutions.
The bureau has asked Australian authorities to send documents regarding Mr Araibi’s refugee status in Australia, and the reasons why it is against his extradition, so that Thai authorities will forward them to the court for consideration, the source said.
On Monday, Mr Araibi told the Criminal Court he refuses to be voluntarily extradited to Bahrain, which has asked for his return to serve a prison sentence for a crime he denies committing.
His rejection means a hearing will be held to determine his fate. He claims he would be tortured if sent back to the country of his birth.
His supporters say he is protected by his refugee status with Australian residency.
A court filing last week by prosecutors noted that extradition is still possible if Bahrain makes an official request, which it did, and if the crime is punishable by over a year in prison, and is not politically motivated or a military violation, which also appears to be the case.
The Bahraini government insists Mr Araibi be treated as a convicted fugitive.
It said the footballer would have the chance to appeal in its own domestic courts.
The Bangkok court has set an April 22 date for its next hearing.
Thai officials previously said the process could be lengthy, depending on how many witnesses each side call.
Mr Araibi, 25, a former Bahraini national team player, says he fled his home country due to political repression. Bahrain wants him returned to serve a 10-year prison sentence he received in absentia in 2014.
He was detained upon his arrival in Bangkok in November while on honeymoon, and subsequently was held pending the completion of the extradition request by Bahrain.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison sent a letter last month urging Thailand to stop the extradition, and football governing bodies and human rights activists have urged the country to let him return to Australia, where he lives and plays for a semi-professional team in Melbourne.
Shortly after the court set the April 22 date, the Australian ambassador to Thailand issued a statement saying the Bahrain government knew very well that Mr Araibi had lived in Australia since 2014.
During those four years, it did not attempt to ask Australia about him. It waited until he ventured to Bangkok, the statement said.
- Photos of al-Araibi being taken to the Criminal Court in shackles on Monday went worldwide and drew massive negative comments. (Reuters photo)
- 3091410.jpg (77.23 KiB) Viewed 680 times
Interpol Australia issued the Red Notice request to detain Mr Araibi, although that notice was later withdrawn as it turned out it never should have been issued.
As far as I am aware there is no such thing as "Interpol Australia", but there is an office of Interpol in Australia.
But then, Thais are not ones to let the truth get in the way of a good story.
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil know`s you`re dead!
Re: Court to begin footballer extradition hearing Monday
Australian U-23 team boycotts Thailand over al-Araibi storm
https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/sports ... aibi-storm
Football Federation Australia has cancelled a scheduled training session in Thailand for the national under-23 team because of the uproar over the detailed Bahraini refugee Hakeem al-Araibi.
The U-23 team, known as the Olyroos, cancelled the Thailand trip, the FFA confirmed in a post on their official website early Wednesday (Thailand time)
"Australia's national teams are united in their support for Hakeem al-Araibi and we call on the community to continue to campaign for his release," said a statement by team coach Graham Arnold.
The official FFA statement said it had consulted with Arnold and with the leaders of the national team, the Socceroos, before announcing the cancellation.
The Australians were scheduled to play a friendly match against China in Bangkok. The teams are competing for a place in the Asia Football Federation's U-23 Championship. The Olyroos' next qualifying match is against Cambodia.
Arnold's full statement, issued by the FFA:
"Last year, the National Team Department had put some preliminary plans in place to play against China in Bangkok as part of our important preparation for the 2020 AFC U23 Championship qualifiers to be held in Cambodia in March.
"On our return from the recent AFC Asian Cup we reassessed our plans due to the ongoing detainment of Australian footballer Hakeem al-Araibi in a Thai prison.
"We are in the process of rearranging our pre-tournament camp in another Asian nation.
"Australia's national teams are united in their support for Hakeem al-Araibi and we call on the community to continue to campaign for his release."
https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/sports ... aibi-storm
Football Federation Australia has cancelled a scheduled training session in Thailand for the national under-23 team because of the uproar over the detailed Bahraini refugee Hakeem al-Araibi.
The U-23 team, known as the Olyroos, cancelled the Thailand trip, the FFA confirmed in a post on their official website early Wednesday (Thailand time)
"Australia's national teams are united in their support for Hakeem al-Araibi and we call on the community to continue to campaign for his release," said a statement by team coach Graham Arnold.
The official FFA statement said it had consulted with Arnold and with the leaders of the national team, the Socceroos, before announcing the cancellation.
The Australians were scheduled to play a friendly match against China in Bangkok. The teams are competing for a place in the Asia Football Federation's U-23 Championship. The Olyroos' next qualifying match is against Cambodia.
Arnold's full statement, issued by the FFA:
"Last year, the National Team Department had put some preliminary plans in place to play against China in Bangkok as part of our important preparation for the 2020 AFC U23 Championship qualifiers to be held in Cambodia in March.
"On our return from the recent AFC Asian Cup we reassessed our plans due to the ongoing detainment of Australian footballer Hakeem al-Araibi in a Thai prison.
"We are in the process of rearranging our pre-tournament camp in another Asian nation.
"Australia's national teams are united in their support for Hakeem al-Araibi and we call on the community to continue to campaign for his release."
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil know`s you`re dead!
Re: Court to begin footballer extradition hearing Monday
Thailand condemned worldwide
https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/world/ ... footballer
'Very disturbed' Australian PM asks Prayut to free footballer
SYDNEY: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has ramped up pressure on Bangkok to release a refugee footballer held on a Bahrain extradition request, as sporting authorities cancelled two events in Thailand over his detention.
Morrison, who wrote a letter about Mr Araibi to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in January, said he sent a second one after being "very disturbed" by the sight of Hakeem al-Araibi, a Bahraini refugee and Australian resident, in chains during a court appearance Monday.
"I've written to him again because I was very disturbed at the appearance of Hakeem at the hearing the other day and he was shackled," Mr Morrison told Sky News Australia late on Tuesday.
"And I thought that was very upsetting and I know it would have upset many Australians. I'm respectfully reminding the Thai prime minister that Australians feel very strongly about this. Very, very strongly."
An international campaign is underway to free Mr Araibi, who fears torture and even death if he is returned to his homeland and has refugee status in Australia. He was detained by Thai immigration authorities in late November after arriving in Bangkok with his wife for a delayed honeymoon.
"Jonathan Head--BBC
Thailand is feeling the heat - now suggesting Australia & Bahrain decide Hakeem’s fate, while still insisting court process play out. But TL must explain how Bahrain found out he’d applied for Thai visa, requesting the red notice long before he travelled."
................................................................................................................
Not really relevant, but true all the same:
https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/pos ... acy-a-must
No gratitude to OZ
Last year, when Thailand's youth football team was trapped in perilous conditions underground, Australians willingly risked their lives to come and help rescue them. We were overjoyed to see all the boys brought out successfully. Now you have imprisoned one of our footballers, a permanent resident of Australia who was granted asylum after fleeing torture and threats of imprisonment from his country of birth, Bahrain.
You have made it clear that if Bahrain demands Hakeem al-Araibi's return you will send him back, to certain imprisonment, torture and possibly death.
I find it inexplicable and inexcusable that a Buddhist country is showing such little gratitude, compassion or understanding. This is a dismal way to repay your friends.
Les Montanjees
Penneshaw, South Australia
https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/world/ ... footballer
'Very disturbed' Australian PM asks Prayut to free footballer
SYDNEY: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has ramped up pressure on Bangkok to release a refugee footballer held on a Bahrain extradition request, as sporting authorities cancelled two events in Thailand over his detention.
Morrison, who wrote a letter about Mr Araibi to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in January, said he sent a second one after being "very disturbed" by the sight of Hakeem al-Araibi, a Bahraini refugee and Australian resident, in chains during a court appearance Monday.
"I've written to him again because I was very disturbed at the appearance of Hakeem at the hearing the other day and he was shackled," Mr Morrison told Sky News Australia late on Tuesday.
"And I thought that was very upsetting and I know it would have upset many Australians. I'm respectfully reminding the Thai prime minister that Australians feel very strongly about this. Very, very strongly."
An international campaign is underway to free Mr Araibi, who fears torture and even death if he is returned to his homeland and has refugee status in Australia. He was detained by Thai immigration authorities in late November after arriving in Bangkok with his wife for a delayed honeymoon.
"Jonathan Head--BBC
Thailand is feeling the heat - now suggesting Australia & Bahrain decide Hakeem’s fate, while still insisting court process play out. But TL must explain how Bahrain found out he’d applied for Thai visa, requesting the red notice long before he travelled."
................................................................................................................
Not really relevant, but true all the same:
https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/pos ... acy-a-must
No gratitude to OZ
Last year, when Thailand's youth football team was trapped in perilous conditions underground, Australians willingly risked their lives to come and help rescue them. We were overjoyed to see all the boys brought out successfully. Now you have imprisoned one of our footballers, a permanent resident of Australia who was granted asylum after fleeing torture and threats of imprisonment from his country of birth, Bahrain.
You have made it clear that if Bahrain demands Hakeem al-Araibi's return you will send him back, to certain imprisonment, torture and possibly death.
I find it inexplicable and inexcusable that a Buddhist country is showing such little gratitude, compassion or understanding. This is a dismal way to repay your friends.
Les Montanjees
Penneshaw, South Australia
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil know`s you`re dead!
Re: Court to begin footballer extradition hearing Monday
Fifa to Prayut: Release Bahraini footballer
https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/sports ... r#cxrecs_s
World football's nominal leaders have asked Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and the government to release the Bahraini football player embroiled in extradition proceedings despite having refugee status in Australia.
Fifa Secretary General Fatma Samoura called for an urgent "humane outcome" to the case of Hakeem al-Araibi, who lives in Melbourne but was arrested on arrival for a vacation in November on what turned out to be an illegal Interpol Red Notice.
Bahrain wants its former national team player returned to serve a 10-year prison sentence that was handed down in absentia after he was accused of vandalising a police station - a charge he plausibly denies.
In an emailed letter, Samoura asked Prime Minister Prayut "to take the necessary steps to ensure that Mr. AI-Araibi is allowed to return safely to Australia at the earliest possible moment, in accordance with the relevant international standards.
"We strongly believe that this course of action will do justice not only to Thailand's obligations under international law, but also to basic human and humanitarian values, which we know your country and government hold dear."
The Asian Football Confederation, which is led by Sheikh Salman Bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa, a member of Bahrain's royal family, would not say if it endorsed the appeal from Fifa.
Araibi has had personal and public conflicts with Sheikh Salman over politics. It has appeared to many that the AFC boss has deliberately blocked confederation requests on behalf of the detained Araibi.
Prison visitor: Araibi 'losing hope'
AFC spokesman Colin Gibson said in a written response that the governing body "is working with Fifa on this issue ... along with other stakeholders."
Bahrain has a Shia majority but is ruled by a Sunni monarchy, and has a reputation for harsh repression since its failed "Arab Spring" uprising in 2011, in which Araibi's brother participated and Araibi played a minor role.
Araibi has said he believed he was targeted for arrest because of his Shia faith and because his brother was politically active in Bahrain.
Araibi has also said he was tortured in Bahrain after his 2012 arrest and fled in 2014 to Australia, which granted him political asylum in 2017 and where he now plays for Melbourne's Pascoe Vale Football Club.
"This situation should not have arisen in particular, since Mr AI-Araibi now lives, works and plays as a professional footballer in Australia, where he has been accorded refugee status," Samoura wrote in her letter to Gen Prayut.
"When according refugee status to Mr AI-Araibi, the Australian authorities concluded that Mr AI-Araibi is at serious risk of mistreatment in his home country. As stated publicly on several occasions, Fifa is therefore respectfully urging the authorities of the Kingdom of Thailand to take the necessary steps to ensure that Mr AI-Araibi is allowed to return safely to Australia at the earliest possible moment, in accordance with the relevant international standards."
Samoura said she wants to meet the Thai government with player union officials.
"We look forward to your timely response on this urgent request and sincerely thank you for your efforts towards a humane outcome of this matter," Samoura said.
.....................................................................................................................
Why the hell they cannot at least release him on bail is complete pig headedness! Hold his passport, his face is now known around the World!
https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/sports ... r#cxrecs_s
World football's nominal leaders have asked Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and the government to release the Bahraini football player embroiled in extradition proceedings despite having refugee status in Australia.
Fifa Secretary General Fatma Samoura called for an urgent "humane outcome" to the case of Hakeem al-Araibi, who lives in Melbourne but was arrested on arrival for a vacation in November on what turned out to be an illegal Interpol Red Notice.
Bahrain wants its former national team player returned to serve a 10-year prison sentence that was handed down in absentia after he was accused of vandalising a police station - a charge he plausibly denies.
In an emailed letter, Samoura asked Prime Minister Prayut "to take the necessary steps to ensure that Mr. AI-Araibi is allowed to return safely to Australia at the earliest possible moment, in accordance with the relevant international standards.
"We strongly believe that this course of action will do justice not only to Thailand's obligations under international law, but also to basic human and humanitarian values, which we know your country and government hold dear."
The Asian Football Confederation, which is led by Sheikh Salman Bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa, a member of Bahrain's royal family, would not say if it endorsed the appeal from Fifa.
Araibi has had personal and public conflicts with Sheikh Salman over politics. It has appeared to many that the AFC boss has deliberately blocked confederation requests on behalf of the detained Araibi.
Prison visitor: Araibi 'losing hope'
AFC spokesman Colin Gibson said in a written response that the governing body "is working with Fifa on this issue ... along with other stakeholders."
Bahrain has a Shia majority but is ruled by a Sunni monarchy, and has a reputation for harsh repression since its failed "Arab Spring" uprising in 2011, in which Araibi's brother participated and Araibi played a minor role.
Araibi has said he believed he was targeted for arrest because of his Shia faith and because his brother was politically active in Bahrain.
Araibi has also said he was tortured in Bahrain after his 2012 arrest and fled in 2014 to Australia, which granted him political asylum in 2017 and where he now plays for Melbourne's Pascoe Vale Football Club.
"This situation should not have arisen in particular, since Mr AI-Araibi now lives, works and plays as a professional footballer in Australia, where he has been accorded refugee status," Samoura wrote in her letter to Gen Prayut.
"When according refugee status to Mr AI-Araibi, the Australian authorities concluded that Mr AI-Araibi is at serious risk of mistreatment in his home country. As stated publicly on several occasions, Fifa is therefore respectfully urging the authorities of the Kingdom of Thailand to take the necessary steps to ensure that Mr AI-Araibi is allowed to return safely to Australia at the earliest possible moment, in accordance with the relevant international standards."
Samoura said she wants to meet the Thai government with player union officials.
"We look forward to your timely response on this urgent request and sincerely thank you for your efforts towards a humane outcome of this matter," Samoura said.
.....................................................................................................................
Why the hell they cannot at least release him on bail is complete pig headedness! Hold his passport, his face is now known around the World!
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil know`s you`re dead!
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laphanphon
- Guru
- Posts: 787
- Joined: Wed Jun 09, 2004 12:15 am
Re: Court to begin footballer extradition hearing Monday
I'm confused .... 
And yetSince the arrest of al-Araibi hit global headlines, Australia has been at the forefront of the demand for his immediate release, arguing that he was a refugee with Australian residency and therefore should not be arrested and face an extradition trial.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/ ... l/30363593IT WAS Australia’s issuance of an Interpol red notice for former Bahraini footballer Hakeem al-Araibi that led to his arrest in Thailand, Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai revealed yesterday.
A Red Notice is a request to locate and provisionally arrest an individual pending extradition.
Re: Court to begin footballer extradition hearing Monday
Posted earlier:laphanphon wrote: ↑Wed Feb 06, 2019 4:29 pm I'm confused ....And yetSince the arrest of al-Araibi hit global headlines, Australia has been at the forefront of the demand for his immediate release, arguing that he was a refugee with Australian residency and therefore should not be arrested and face an extradition trial.http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/ ... l/30363593IT WAS Australia’s issuance of an Interpol red notice for former Bahraini footballer Hakeem al-Araibi that led to his arrest in Thailand, Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai revealed yesterday.A Red Notice is a request to locate and provisionally arrest an individual pending extradition.
Interpol Australia issued the Red Notice request to detain Mr Araibi, although that notice was later withdrawn as it turned out it never should have been issued.
As far as I am aware there is no such thing as "Interpol Australia", but there is an office of Interpol in Australia.
But then, Thais are not ones to let the truth get in the way of a good story.
............................................................................................................
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil know`s you`re dead!
-
laphanphon
- Guru
- Posts: 787
- Joined: Wed Jun 09, 2004 12:15 am
Re: Court to begin footballer extradition hearing Monday
As is every gov't .... who to believe ?
Unless some other country had a pending arrest warrant for him, I'm going with Thai side of the story.
He wasn't exactly the smartest chap........leaving OZ, certainly not his best play. Back home, bye bye.
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dtaai-maai
- Hero
- Posts: 14924
- Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2007 10:00 pm
- Location: UK, Robin Hood country
Re: Court to begin footballer extradition hearing Monday
Wow...laphanphon wrote: ↑Wed Feb 06, 2019 4:54 pm Unless some other country had a pending arrest warrant for him, I'm going with Thai side of the story.
I know a Nigerian prince who would like your email address.
This is the way
Re: Court to begin footballer extradition hearing Monday
This is becoming more ridiculous by the minute. Why would Australia issue a Interpol red alert when the subject was IN Australia? As usual somebody opens their mouth without checking the facts. It has been reported that he had a Thai Visa, presumably issued in Australia, so the question has been asked as to just how Bahrain knew he was going to travel?
They are just making bigger fools of themselves every time they issue a statement.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Govt blames Australia for arrest of refugee Bahraini footballer
https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/genera ... recent_box
The Foreign Ministry defended on Wednesday its arrest of a Bahraini footballer with refugee status in Australia, saying officials only detained him because Australian authorities sent an Interpol "red notice" after he boarded a plane to Bangkok.
Hakeem al-Araibi's case has drawn international criticism as a Thai court considers an extradition request from Bahrain for him to serve a 10-year sentence related to the Arab Spring uprising of 2011. He denies the charges.
Mr Araibi was arrested at a Bangkok airport in November when he arrived from Australia with his wife for their honeymoon.
The 25-year-old says he faces torture in Bahrain and wants to return to Australia, where he has lived since 2014 and plays for a Melbourne football club.
Thailand's foreign ministry on Wednesday described the case as "involving two countries competing for Mr Hakeem's custody".
It said Thailand became involved "by chance" after a police bureau that handles Interpol matters in Australia notified Thai authorities that Mr Araibi had boarded a flight to Bangkok and was the subject of a "red notice" initiated by Bahrain.
"It took several days after the arrival of Mr Hakeem before the Australian authorities informed us that the red notice had been cancelled," the statement said.
"By that time, legal proceedings in Thailand regarding Mr Hakeem had already started and could not be reversed," it said.
Mr Araibi could stay in jail until August, as the court hearing his case will take two to three months to deliver its ruling after the next hearing, set for late April, a spokesman for the attorney general's office said.
"So between now and then, Hakeem will have to be in custody for at least until August," Trumph Jalichandra told a news conference, adding that he could only be released sooner if Bahrain withdrew its request.
The attorney general's office also told reporters Wednesday that with extradition requests bail would be opposed.
"If you look at the number of foreign defendants, they pay their bail and jump bail and then don't show up in court,"
Chatchom Akapin, the office's director general for international affairs, said, adding that the policy applied "not only to Hakeem".
A deputy spokesman for the office said the case was not political.
Australia's Home Affairs office confirmed in December that federal police had advised Thai authorities a person with a red notice was on the way to Thailand but did not say if the bureau was aware Mr Araibi had refugee status.
Bahrain's embassy in Bangkok said Mr Araibi was a fugitive who should be returned.
"Mr Araibi, as with defendants in all criminal cases in Bahrain, is guaranteed full legal rights and protections with full access to proper representation," it said in a statement on Wednesday.
Shackles
On Tuesday, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison repeated a call for Mr Araibi to be freed, saying he was "disturbed" to see photos of the footballer in shackles at a court hearing this week.
Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne urged Thai authorities to use their discretion.
"Given ... that he is a permanent resident of our country, on the pathway to citizenship, we have encouraged the Bahraini government not to proceed with the extradition application, and we have encouraged the Thai government to exercise the discretion that they have available to them," she told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation from Samoa.
Mr Araibi was convicted of vandalising a police station during 2011 anti-government protests in Bahrain and sentenced in absentia after he fled.
He denies the charges, saying he was playing in a televised soccer match at the time of the police station attack.
New York-based Human Rights Watch has said Mr Araibi was tortured by Bahraini authorities because of his brother's political activities during the 2011 protests.
Bahraini authorities deny allegations of torture.
They are just making bigger fools of themselves every time they issue a statement.
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Govt blames Australia for arrest of refugee Bahraini footballer
https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/genera ... recent_box
The Foreign Ministry defended on Wednesday its arrest of a Bahraini footballer with refugee status in Australia, saying officials only detained him because Australian authorities sent an Interpol "red notice" after he boarded a plane to Bangkok.
Hakeem al-Araibi's case has drawn international criticism as a Thai court considers an extradition request from Bahrain for him to serve a 10-year sentence related to the Arab Spring uprising of 2011. He denies the charges.
Mr Araibi was arrested at a Bangkok airport in November when he arrived from Australia with his wife for their honeymoon.
The 25-year-old says he faces torture in Bahrain and wants to return to Australia, where he has lived since 2014 and plays for a Melbourne football club.
Thailand's foreign ministry on Wednesday described the case as "involving two countries competing for Mr Hakeem's custody".
It said Thailand became involved "by chance" after a police bureau that handles Interpol matters in Australia notified Thai authorities that Mr Araibi had boarded a flight to Bangkok and was the subject of a "red notice" initiated by Bahrain.
"It took several days after the arrival of Mr Hakeem before the Australian authorities informed us that the red notice had been cancelled," the statement said.
"By that time, legal proceedings in Thailand regarding Mr Hakeem had already started and could not be reversed," it said.
Mr Araibi could stay in jail until August, as the court hearing his case will take two to three months to deliver its ruling after the next hearing, set for late April, a spokesman for the attorney general's office said.
"So between now and then, Hakeem will have to be in custody for at least until August," Trumph Jalichandra told a news conference, adding that he could only be released sooner if Bahrain withdrew its request.
The attorney general's office also told reporters Wednesday that with extradition requests bail would be opposed.
"If you look at the number of foreign defendants, they pay their bail and jump bail and then don't show up in court,"
Chatchom Akapin, the office's director general for international affairs, said, adding that the policy applied "not only to Hakeem".
A deputy spokesman for the office said the case was not political.
Australia's Home Affairs office confirmed in December that federal police had advised Thai authorities a person with a red notice was on the way to Thailand but did not say if the bureau was aware Mr Araibi had refugee status.
Bahrain's embassy in Bangkok said Mr Araibi was a fugitive who should be returned.
"Mr Araibi, as with defendants in all criminal cases in Bahrain, is guaranteed full legal rights and protections with full access to proper representation," it said in a statement on Wednesday.
Shackles
On Tuesday, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison repeated a call for Mr Araibi to be freed, saying he was "disturbed" to see photos of the footballer in shackles at a court hearing this week.
Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne urged Thai authorities to use their discretion.
"Given ... that he is a permanent resident of our country, on the pathway to citizenship, we have encouraged the Bahraini government not to proceed with the extradition application, and we have encouraged the Thai government to exercise the discretion that they have available to them," she told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation from Samoa.
Mr Araibi was convicted of vandalising a police station during 2011 anti-government protests in Bahrain and sentenced in absentia after he fled.
He denies the charges, saying he was playing in a televised soccer match at the time of the police station attack.
New York-based Human Rights Watch has said Mr Araibi was tortured by Bahraini authorities because of his brother's political activities during the 2011 protests.
Bahraini authorities deny allegations of torture.
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handdrummer
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Re: Court to begin footballer extradition hearing Monday
The same place they always are, hiding under the covers with a stuffed animal.
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laphanphon
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Re: Court to begin footballer extradition hearing Monday
From your (Nereus) post:
When the Thai embassy in OZ knew, is unknown. Doubt they would issue a visa to a criminal, if knowing, as don't need that headache.
Did OZ tell Thai authorities in BKK, after Thai embassy in OZ did a background check, and issued the visa, then OZ realized, they could get rid of a criminal the easy way, and let Thailand detain him.
Who to believe ? Still leaning toward the Thai version. As if OZ cared about his refugee status, and didn't want to get rid of him, they could of simply told him arrest warrant was awaiting his arrival at BKK.
Find it hard to believe OZ authorities are that incompetent, and one office didn't know about the others. Seriously.....and....What passport was he traveling on ?
Sadly, you really can't believe either side, though the Thai version comes off, to me anyway, as more credible.
Like everyone, he'll have his day in court.
Although: "Thailand is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, has a history of returning alleged criminals to their countries of origin, and has strong economic links with Bahrain" - wiki
If OZ authorities didn't want him arrested, it would seem someone had on oops, and missed his refugee status. Really ? Is that to be believed.Australia's Home Affairs office confirmed in December that federal police had advised Thai authorities a person with a red notice was on the way to Thailand but did not say if the bureau was aware Mr Araibi had refugee status.
When the Thai embassy in OZ knew, is unknown. Doubt they would issue a visa to a criminal, if knowing, as don't need that headache.
Did OZ tell Thai authorities in BKK, after Thai embassy in OZ did a background check, and issued the visa, then OZ realized, they could get rid of a criminal the easy way, and let Thailand detain him.
Who to believe ? Still leaning toward the Thai version. As if OZ cared about his refugee status, and didn't want to get rid of him, they could of simply told him arrest warrant was awaiting his arrival at BKK.
Find it hard to believe OZ authorities are that incompetent, and one office didn't know about the others. Seriously.....and....What passport was he traveling on ?
Sadly, you really can't believe either side, though the Thai version comes off, to me anyway, as more credible.
Like everyone, he'll have his day in court.
Although: "Thailand is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, has a history of returning alleged criminals to their countries of origin, and has strong economic links with Bahrain" - wiki
Re: Court to begin footballer extradition hearing Monday
Araibi in jail until August
https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/genera ... til-august
Thailand 'stuck in middle', govt says
A refugee Bahraini footballer arrested in Thailand while on vacation from his new home in Australia could remain in jail until August while a court decides on an extradition request from Bahrain, a deputy spokesman for the Office of the Attorney-General said yesterday.
Trumph Jalichandra, who is also a deputy secretary-general of the Office of the Attorney-General, said his office received a request from the Bahraini government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Dec 3 last year for the extradition of Hakeem al-Araibi, who fled criminal charges related to the 2011 Arab Spring protests against Bahrain's government.
"The [extradition] request of the requesting country [Bahrain] is from a criminal case whose offence is also considered a criminal offence in Thailand, and the penalties for the charges are more than one year in jail. It is neither a political nor military offence so it qualifies according to the Extradition Act 2008," Mr Trumph said adding that the officers then decided to bring the case to court.
In court on Monday, Araibi denied the charges against him. The court has told him and his lawyer to submit official opposition to the extradition by April 5, and set an appointment for both sides on April 22.
The Thai court hearing the case will need two to three months to give its ruling after the next hearing in late April. "So between now and then, Mr Araibi will have to be in custody at least until August," Mr Trumph said.
Thailand now claims to be caught between Bahrain, which is seeking the extradition of Araibi, and Australia, which is calling for him to be freed given his refugee status there.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) held a press conference yesterday, after issuing a statement.
"Thailand had previously not been aware of Mr Hakeem's case and does not have any prejudice against him. Indeed, we would not have become involved in the issue had we not received the red notice alert from the Australian Interpol and the subsequent formal request by Bahrain for his arrest and extradition," it said.
"It took several days after the arrival of Mr Hakeem, before the Australian authorities informed us that the red notice had been cancelled. By that time, legal proceedings in Thailand regarding Mr Hakeem had already started and could not be reversed," it added.
"The case is now under the purview of the Court of Justice. In proceeding with the legal process, the executive branch cannot interfere with the judicial process. This is an internationally recognised principle upheld by all countries, including Australia.
"Thailand does not gain anything from holding Mr Hakeem in custody. But as a sovereign country that has legal obligations and commitments to the international community, Thailand finds itself in the middle of a case involving two countries competing for Mr Hakeem's custody.
"Under such circumstances, Thailand has no other legitimate option but to cooperate in accordance with the law, and suggest that the two countries, both good friends of Thailand and good friends with one another, talk to each other to sort out their problems and come up with their own solution, instead of trying to find an indirect solution from Thailand, who has only become involved in this case by chance," the statement said.
"We therefore believe that we have a legitimate right to urge Australia and Bahrain to talk to each other and find a mutually agreeable solution. No matter what that solution may be, Thailand stands ready to support it in order to achieve a result that is mutually satisfactory win-win for all."
MFA deputy permanent-secretary Thani Thongpakdi said that Thailand and Bahrain have no extradition treaty between the two countries, which led to the use of Extradition Act, 2008, in Mr Araibi's case.
"If Mr Hakeem's case was a political case or that he was a political refugee, Thailand would have no right to extradite him back to Bahrain under any circumstances.
"However, he was convicted on charges of arson and possession of a bomb, which does not constitute a political case and must be proceeded," he said.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/genera ... til-august
Thailand 'stuck in middle', govt says
A refugee Bahraini footballer arrested in Thailand while on vacation from his new home in Australia could remain in jail until August while a court decides on an extradition request from Bahrain, a deputy spokesman for the Office of the Attorney-General said yesterday.
Trumph Jalichandra, who is also a deputy secretary-general of the Office of the Attorney-General, said his office received a request from the Bahraini government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Dec 3 last year for the extradition of Hakeem al-Araibi, who fled criminal charges related to the 2011 Arab Spring protests against Bahrain's government.
"The [extradition] request of the requesting country [Bahrain] is from a criminal case whose offence is also considered a criminal offence in Thailand, and the penalties for the charges are more than one year in jail. It is neither a political nor military offence so it qualifies according to the Extradition Act 2008," Mr Trumph said adding that the officers then decided to bring the case to court.
In court on Monday, Araibi denied the charges against him. The court has told him and his lawyer to submit official opposition to the extradition by April 5, and set an appointment for both sides on April 22.
The Thai court hearing the case will need two to three months to give its ruling after the next hearing in late April. "So between now and then, Mr Araibi will have to be in custody at least until August," Mr Trumph said.
Thailand now claims to be caught between Bahrain, which is seeking the extradition of Araibi, and Australia, which is calling for him to be freed given his refugee status there.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) held a press conference yesterday, after issuing a statement.
"Thailand had previously not been aware of Mr Hakeem's case and does not have any prejudice against him. Indeed, we would not have become involved in the issue had we not received the red notice alert from the Australian Interpol and the subsequent formal request by Bahrain for his arrest and extradition," it said.
"It took several days after the arrival of Mr Hakeem, before the Australian authorities informed us that the red notice had been cancelled. By that time, legal proceedings in Thailand regarding Mr Hakeem had already started and could not be reversed," it added.
"The case is now under the purview of the Court of Justice. In proceeding with the legal process, the executive branch cannot interfere with the judicial process. This is an internationally recognised principle upheld by all countries, including Australia.
"Thailand does not gain anything from holding Mr Hakeem in custody. But as a sovereign country that has legal obligations and commitments to the international community, Thailand finds itself in the middle of a case involving two countries competing for Mr Hakeem's custody.
"Under such circumstances, Thailand has no other legitimate option but to cooperate in accordance with the law, and suggest that the two countries, both good friends of Thailand and good friends with one another, talk to each other to sort out their problems and come up with their own solution, instead of trying to find an indirect solution from Thailand, who has only become involved in this case by chance," the statement said.
"We therefore believe that we have a legitimate right to urge Australia and Bahrain to talk to each other and find a mutually agreeable solution. No matter what that solution may be, Thailand stands ready to support it in order to achieve a result that is mutually satisfactory win-win for all."
MFA deputy permanent-secretary Thani Thongpakdi said that Thailand and Bahrain have no extradition treaty between the two countries, which led to the use of Extradition Act, 2008, in Mr Araibi's case.
"If Mr Hakeem's case was a political case or that he was a political refugee, Thailand would have no right to extradite him back to Bahrain under any circumstances.
"However, he was convicted on charges of arson and possession of a bomb, which does not constitute a political case and must be proceeded," he said.
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laphanphon
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Re: Court to begin footballer extradition hearing Monday
Thailand are doing what they are legally required to do and that is to detain a person identified on a red notice. It is Australia who has made this mess happen by issuing the red notice incorrectly in the first place.
In this case, like it or not Thailand are complying with their obligations.
In this case, like it or not Thailand are complying with their obligations.
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