Refugee soccer player Hakeem Al-Araibi arrives in Australia after escaping extradition

On Tuesday morning local time, the 25-year-old arrived at Melbourne Airport, where he thanked the Australian government, his supporters and campaigners who had worked to secure his release.

“It’s amazing to see all of the people here and all of the Australian people and all of the media who supported me,” he said. “This is my country. I didn’t (get) citizenship yet, but my country is Australia. I will die in Australia and I love Australia.”