Bahrain Mirror: Amnesty International said in a statement on its website that Bahraini refugee Hakeem Al-Araibi is in imminent danger of deportation from Thailand, despite his status as a recognized refugee in Australia. His forcible return to Bahrain would violate international law, it stressed.

The organization asked its followers to write to Thai authorities to immediately release Hakeem Al-Araibi and allow him to return to Australia if he so wishes; under no circumstances remove him to Bahrain or to any other country in which he would be at real risk of serious human rights violations; ensure respect at all times for the obligation not to transfer anyone to a place where they would be at real risk of serious human rights violations (obligation of non-refoulement).

Thai authorities detained Hakeem while he was traveling there based on an INTERPOL Red Notice, based on Bahraini authorities request.

On 3 December Hakeem was brought before a Thai court that extended his arrest in immigration detention for a further 12 days pending the resolution of the case.

If deported to Bahrain, Hakeem faces imprisonment based on his prior unjust conviction and is in serious danger of torture and/or other ill-treatment. Hakeem has been outspoken about human rights violations in Bahrain since he sought refuge in Australia.

Arabic Version