PICS: Thailand frees Bahraini refugee footballer whose detention sparked 'outcry'

Bahraini refugee footballer Hakeem al-Araibi, whose detention in Thailand sparked an outcry, was released from prison on Monday after Manama withdrew its extradition request. (Photo by Anusak Laowilas/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Al-Araibi, a 25-year-old former member of Bahrain's national football team, fled his home country for Australia in 2014 after he was accused of vandalising a police station. He was granted political asylum in Australia. (Photo by Anusak Laowilas/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

He was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment in absentia and Bahrain applied to Thailand for his extradition so that he could serve the sentence. (Photo by Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images)

Al-Araibi denies the charges and human rights activists say he could face torture if sent back to Bahrain. He has also been a vocal critic of Bahraini authorities, the BBC reported. (Photo by Chaiwat Subprasom/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Al-Araibi was detained in Bangkok in November on an Interpol notice requested by Bahrain. He had travelled to the Thai capital on honeymoon. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)