Al-Araibi not getting bail
Thai prosecutors will oppose bail for a refugee football player detained in Bangkok and facing extradition to Bahrain, the office of the attorney general said Wednesday, citing flight risks.
Hakeem al-Araibi was granted refugee status in Australia after fleeing charges in Bahrain connected to Arab Spring protests but was stopped in Thailand in November attempting to go on his honeymoon.
He is wanted for damaging a police station but the former national youth footballer says the case is bogus and tied to his criticism of Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, a member of Bahrain's ruling family.
The 25-year-old fears being returned to Bahrain where he believes he could face imprisonment and torture.
A Thai court this week extended his detention by another 60 days after which he will have a chance to object to Bahrain's extradition request.
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