Supporters of detained Melbourne-based footballer Hakeem al-Araibi have gathered outside the Australian Federal Police headquarters on Wednesday calling for his release in Thailand.
Mr al-Araibi was on holiday when he was held in Bangkok on a now-expired Interpol warrant issued at the request of his native Bahrain.
His supporters are urging Australian Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton to exercise his discretion and grant him Australian citizenship, amid fears he will be tortured if he is sent back.
Hakeem al-Araibi remains in remains in detention in Bangkok. Source: SBS News
The 25-year-old Australian permanent resident fled the country in 2014, claiming he was tortured in detention.
Refugees are not supposed to be issued with Interpol Red notices requested by the country from which they have fled.
Thailand would also be in breach of international law if it proceeds with extradition.
Latifa al-Haouli of Sabelberg Morcos Lawyers lodged a request with the Home Affairs Department on December 10, but she is yet to hear back from Mr Dutton.
"This request requires emergency government intervention and marks Australia's stance on protecting legitimate refugees," she said.
Hakeem Alaraibi Source: Supplied
Gulf Institute for Democracy and Human Rights spokeswoman Fatima Yazbek is asking for compassion from Mr Dutton.
She said granting immediate citizenship would "save his (Mr al-Araibi) life from the imminent danger he will face if deported to Bahrain".
Foreign Minister Marise Payne has called for Mr al-Araibi's immediate release from detention and safe return to Melbourne as soon as possible.
She has raised the matter with Thai counterpart Don Pramudwinai.
But it was revealed that Australia's National Interpol Bureau tipped off Thailand about Mr al-Araibi's arrival in the country for his first overseas holiday since fleeing Bahrain.
His visa allows him to remain in Australia indefinitely and to travel to and from the country, so long as he does not travel to Bahrain.
Hakeem Alaraibi on the field. Source: Supplied
Refugee Action Collective's Chris Breen said the Australian government needed to reinvigorate its efforts in support of Mr al-Araibi's.
"Minister Dutton has not spelt out the legal reasons he claims prevent him granting Hakeem citizenship," Mr Breen said.
"Granting Hakeem citizenship could be an important stepping up of the advocacy of the Australian government for Hakeem's freedom."
A former member of the Bahrain national football team, Mr al-Araibi played in the National Premier Leagues Victoria for Pascoe Vale this year.
Additional reporting: AAP
