Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it had been informed from Thai authorities the termination of legal proceedings against Hakeem al-Araibi.
The Foreign Ministry stressed that Bahrain applies the principles of fair trial and due process in accordance with the Kingdom’s constitution and laws, and that the extradition request relating to Araibi was fully in line with international standards.
Bahrain recognizes the independence and integrity of the judiciary in Thailand, nonetheless, it reiterates its sovereign right to pursue legal action against Araibi given that a “guilty verdict, delivered by a Bahraini court, still stands.”
Foreign Minister, Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, received the Ambassador of Australia to Bahrain.
The Minister presented the ambassador a memorandum containing relevant court documents related to the extradition of Araibi, including the international arrest warrant against him.
Al Khalifa stressed Manama’s keenness to enhance bilateral cooperation with Australia, noting that such “cases would not negatively impact relations between the two countries, which continue to develop in various fields.”
The minister also wished the Ambassador further success in his efforts to bolster Bahraini-Australian ties, “for the common interests of both countries and their peoples,” reported the Bahrain News Agency (BNA)
Thai security services arrested Araibi on November 27 and he remained in custody because of an international arrest warrant issued by Bahrain on terrorism charges.
Bahraini authorities said Araibi fled the country awaiting trial after he was granted bail prior to his court hearing. He was also granted special permission in December 2013 to travel to participate in a football tournament in Qatar, during which he secretly traveled to Iran, from there to Australia.
The Foreign Ministry issued an earlier statement indicating the issuance of international arrest warrants is standard practice for all Interpol member countries and a vital mechanism for fighting crime.
Araibi was first arrested in January 2014 for the possession of incendiary devices, having been involved with others in an arson attack and causing damage to property.
“Araibi holds the right to appeal this court decision if present at Bahrain’s Court of Appeal, as others involved in this case have done so,” said the ministry.
