Hakeem al-Araibi joins other new Australians at the citizenship ceremony in Melbourne.
Source:
https://scmp.com/sport/football/article/3001185/im-aussie-now-im-safe-ex-refugee-hakeem-al-araibi-becomes-australian Football
‘I’m an Aussie now, I’m safe’ – ex-refugee Hakeem al-Araibi becomes an Australian citizen in Melbourne ceremony
- Activist Craig Foster says Al-Araibi’s naturalisation is a triumph for those who helped fight for his freedom
- The ceremony takes place one month after he was released from a Thai prison after an ordeal that nearly had him extradited to Bahrain
Hakeem al-Araibi and Craig Foster show off his Australian citizenship certificate.
Hakeem al-Araibi is no longer a refugee, with the Bahrain-born footballer receiving his Australian citizenship on Tuesday in what was described as a victory for all the organisations and individuals who worked tirelessly for his release from a Thai prison.
The 26-year-old Al-Araibi joined 207 others in a ceremony in Melbourne’s Federation Square as Australia welcomed its newest citizens – one month after he was released by Thai authorities after spending more than 70 days in prison with the threat of extradition to Bahrain hanging over him.
“A pretty special moment,” tweeted former Socceroos captain Craig Foster, one of the key figures in the campaign to save Al-Araibi who posted a picture of the player signing #SaveHakeem shirts.
“[The shirts are for] refugee charities and those who worked so hard for his release.”
Al-Araibi fled Bahrain in 2014 after a government crackdown on athletes during the Arab spring.
He was granted asylum in Australia in 2017, but was arrested in Bangkok in November after travelling to the Thai capital for his honeymoon.
The Thais were acting on an extradition order from the Bahrain government, which was eventually dropped on February 11 after a global campaign pressing for his freedom. He feared detention and torture should he have been returned to Bahrain.
“I’m an Aussie now,” Al-Araibi said at the ceremony. “I feel safe.”
He later tweeted: “It’s a wonderful and awesome feeling to gain all this respect in my citizenship ceremony.
“I’m really proud to see Marise Payne, minister of foreign affairs, & other government representatives participating in my ceremony, it make me feel secure.”
Foster said Al-Araibi’s citizenship is a reflection of his country’s values and the new Australian is keen to make it count.
“New citizens today from 44 countries [and] one very proud new Aussie who, after Australia demonstrated our values in fighting for his freedom, is deeply motivated to contribute to his new country.
“We’re proud of you Hakeem, and delighted to welcome you onboard,” he wrote.
Payne also played a key role in helping to free Al-Araibi and was among the first high-profile Australian politicians to visit him while he was in prison in Bangkok.
“Thanks to Hakeem al-Araibi for inviting me to be part of this morning’s citizenship ceremony,” she wrote. “Absolutely lovely to welcome Australia’s 208 newest citizens who have come from 44 nations to now call home. All the best for the next chapter in your lives.”
Also attending the ceremony was Al-Araibi’s teammates from the Pascoe Vale football club.