"Hakeem"

Bahrain’s shock decision to drop its extradition request against Australia-based former Bahraini footballer Hakeem al-Araibi seemed to have come after behind-the-scenes negotiations, including a visit by the Thai foreign minister to Bahrain.

BAHRAINI fugitive footballer Hakeem al-Araibi, who was facing an extradition trial in Bangkok since his detention in November last year, yesterday walked free after his country decided to withdraw its extradition request.

Supporters pose for a photo at a rally to demand freedom for detained Bahraini footballer Hakeem Al-Araibi in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia on Friday.

THAILAND IS exploring solutions for the case involving a foreign footballer who faces the risk of being deported to Bahrain despite his refugee status.

THE PATTANI Provincial Court issued an arrest warrant yesterday for Hakeem Doloh for his alleged involvement in the August 23 car bomb attack at a hotel in Pattani’s Muang district that killed one person and injured 30.