"I adore Australia," says a refugee from Bahrain refugee on his return from a Thai jail

SYDNEY (Reuters) – A Bahraini refugee footballer, jailed in a Thai jail for more than two months at the request of the Gulf State, arrived Tuesday in his adopted city, Melbourne, showed TV footage under applause. and the great relief of his wife.

Hakeem Al Araibi, 25, who fled Bahrain in 2014 and was granted refugee status in Australia, was released on Monday. The Bahraini authorities have accused Araibi of crimes committed during the 2011 Arab Spring protests, accusations he denied.

"Australia is my country. I do not have citizenship yet, but my country is Australia … I love Australia, I will die in Australia, "said Araibi after his landing at Melbourne airport a robbery Thai Airways from Bangkok.

Hundreds of supporters have asked to kiss him, showed a television sequence. He wore the Pascoe Vale jersey, the semi-professional team for which he plays in Melbourne, the second largest city in Australia.

He thanked his supporters, who applauded: "Welcome home Hakeem!"

Araibi was arrested at Bangkok airport in November while he was on honeymoon following an Interpol notice issued at the request of Bahrain.

His arrest sparked widespread international condemnation. Bahrain, under heavy diplomatic pressure, agreed to give up its intention to extradite him from Thailand.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has twice written to his Thai counterpart for Araibi's release, while Foreign Minister Marise Payne has gone to Bangkok to personally request the release of the refugee.

As diplomatic pressure was applied behind the scenes, a growing wave of pressure grew with the intervention of current and former football stars.

Craig Foster, a former Australian captain, led the player's efforts, gaining support from Australia's top scorer Tim Cahill and former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.

Embracing Araibi, Foster said that Australia's support demonstrated the best of the country.

"To fight incredibly hard not only for a young player that hardly anyone knew, but for a refugee under our protection (…) says a lot about the character, values ​​and pride that we have as a person. Australians, "Foster told reporters in Melbourne.