Australian refugee footballer Hakeem al-Araibi has appeared in Bangkok Criminal Court to fight extradition to his native Bahrain.
"Don't send me back to Bahrain," al-Araibi pleaded with reporters and activists before entering a courtroom on Monday.
On arrival at court, Al-Araibi appeared amid a flurry of camera flashes, the last in a long stream of shackled, shuffling prisoners.
Former Socceroo Craig Foster, who has visited Al-Araibi in prison and has been a tireless campaigner for his release, shouted support as Al-Araibi walked by.
"Australia is with you, buddy," Mr Foster said. "Stay strong. All of Australia is with you. Football is with you."
Speaking outside a Bangkok court this morning, Mr Foster, who has visited Hakeem in prison there, accused Bahrain of "using" Thailand, given Hakeem had spent years in Australia without any troubles.
