Thai AG considering withdrawing extradition case of Bahraini footballer

Thailand's attorney general is considering withdrawing a case for the extradition of jailed Bahraini footballer Hakeem Al Araibi, who has refugee status in Australia, a prosecution source with knowledge of the case said on Monday. Officials in the attorney general's office were meeting on the issue on Monday afternoon and could make a decision by the end of the day, said the prosecutor, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Araibi, who fled Bahrain in 2014 before being granted permanent residence in Australia, was arrested while on honeymoon in Bangkok in November on an Interpol notice issued at Bahrain's request. "We are considering withdrawing the prosecution of Hakeem's extradition from the Criminal Court so he can be released," said the prosecutor.