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Fighting for Hakeem
Football is the world game. It unites. At a grassroots level it creates communities and, in 2019, those communities helped save the life of one of its own.
In 2012, Hakeem al-Araibi was a promising young player on Bahrain's national football team when he was arrested for attacking a police station during the Arab Spring, despite television footage showing him playing soccer at the time of the alleged attack. After three months of torture and wrongful imprisonment, Hakeem was released. He fled the country and made his way to Australia, where he was granted refugee status. Hakeem made a life here and was playing for the suburban Pascoe Vale Football Club, in Melbourne. He thought he was safe.
But, in November 2018, on a holiday to Thailand with his wife, Hakeem was again arrested. The Bahraini government wanted to extradite him to face a ten-year jail sentence, or worse. What happened next shows the best of what soccer can do, and the worst the governing body of FIFA brings. If it wasn't for the Australian soccer community and former Socceroo Craig Foster, Hakeem may never have been freed.
This powerful memoir reveals how a local soccer legend fought tirelessly to help bring home a man he'd never met. From Pascoe Vale to Switzerland, Canberra to Thailand, Foster raised his voice and tens of thousands of Australians were galvanised to #FreeHakeem. Foster lobbied FIFA and the United Nations and worked with human rights organisations worldwide to enable Hakeem's safe return to his wife in Australia.
Despite being from different backgrounds, religions and generations, Craig Foster and Hakeem al-Araibi are united forever through their love of the world game and their fight for freedom.
In 2012, Hakeem al-Araibi was a promising young player on Bahrain's national football team when he was arrested for attacking a police station during the Arab Spring, despite television footage showing him playing soccer at the time of the alleged attack. After three months of torture and wrongful imprisonment, Hakeem was released. He fled the country and made his way to Australia, where he was granted refugee status. Hakeem made a life here and was playing for the suburban Pascoe Vale Football Club, in Melbourne. He thought he was safe.
But, in November 2018, on a holiday to Thailand with his wife, Hakeem was again arrested. The Bahraini government wanted to extradite him to face a ten-year jail sentence, or worse. What happened next shows the best of what soccer can do, and the worst the governing body of FIFA brings. If it wasn't for the Australian soccer community and former Socceroo Craig Foster, Hakeem may never have been freed.
This powerful memoir reveals how a local soccer legend fought tirelessly to help bring home a man he'd never met. From Pascoe Vale to Switzerland, Canberra to Thailand, Foster raised his voice and tens of thousands of Australians were galvanised to #FreeHakeem. Foster lobbied FIFA and the United Nations and worked with human rights organisations worldwide to enable Hakeem's safe return to his wife in Australia.
Despite being from different backgrounds, religions and generations, Craig Foster and Hakeem al-Araibi are united forever through their love of the world game and their fight for freedom.
- GenresBiography
320 pages, Paperback
Published April 21, 2020
6 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 17, 2019
A behind the scenes look at the campaign to free Hakeem Al Araibi. While Craig Foster was the public face and fantastic driving force of the campaign, there were many other people and organisations who lent their support. Fearless and frank, Craig Foster gives a day to day account of the situation and offers compassionate comments on the rights of all refugees.
May 26, 2023
A somewhat ambivalent view on a) A very interesting legal case and b) An ongoing nationwide issue that needs to be addressed. Perhaps this book would resonate more with soccer fans or people who aren’t already familiar with the reach modern social media activism has.
I picked up this book after being intrigued by the blurb; a man arrested for a crime that was allegedly committed at the exact same time that he was playing a live televised soccer match, as well as a discussion of “the worst the governing body of FIFA brings”... Tell me more! However, the story is mostly just an in depth recounting of the #SaveHakeem social media campaign, the rare moments that address the failing of certain governing bodies are incredibly dry.
I was hoping for a bit more social commentary on the legal system that failed Hakeem and how events similar to this impact refugees on a daily basis, but the author remains disappointingly impartial for the majority of the novel. In the final chapter he does address a question which I couldn’t stop thinking about throughout the entire novel; why does the author only seem interested in saving this one kid, not refugees as a whole. I was surprised when Foster wrote that this was a common question he faced on social media during the campaign, yet he didn’t address it in his book until the final pages.
Foster also constantly re-iterates that this “is not a political issue” and he does not express negative views on anything or anyone until the book's final moments. Everyone Foster meets is “experienced and well spoken”, the few times he challenges someone feel ineffectual. There is a tense moment where the campaign and someone's life is at risk if specific instructions are not followed, but when these directions are immediately disobeyed the author laughs it off (Literally if you are listening to the audiobook version).
Overall, I’m glad I learnt about Hakeem’s case but wish I had heard it from someone who reached outside of the soccer community to a broader worldwide context.
I picked up this book after being intrigued by the blurb; a man arrested for a crime that was allegedly committed at the exact same time that he was playing a live televised soccer match, as well as a discussion of “the worst the governing body of FIFA brings”... Tell me more! However, the story is mostly just an in depth recounting of the #SaveHakeem social media campaign, the rare moments that address the failing of certain governing bodies are incredibly dry.
I was hoping for a bit more social commentary on the legal system that failed Hakeem and how events similar to this impact refugees on a daily basis, but the author remains disappointingly impartial for the majority of the novel. In the final chapter he does address a question which I couldn’t stop thinking about throughout the entire novel; why does the author only seem interested in saving this one kid, not refugees as a whole. I was surprised when Foster wrote that this was a common question he faced on social media during the campaign, yet he didn’t address it in his book until the final pages.
Foster also constantly re-iterates that this “is not a political issue” and he does not express negative views on anything or anyone until the book's final moments. Everyone Foster meets is “experienced and well spoken”, the few times he challenges someone feel ineffectual. There is a tense moment where the campaign and someone's life is at risk if specific instructions are not followed, but when these directions are immediately disobeyed the author laughs it off (Literally if you are listening to the audiobook version).
Overall, I’m glad I learnt about Hakeem’s case but wish I had heard it from someone who reached outside of the soccer community to a broader worldwide context.
April 25, 2021
Though I do not normally dabble in non-fiction, I was pleasantly surprised with how invested I was in Craig Foster’s retelling of events concerning the wrongful imprisonment of Hakeem al-Araibi. I remember my husband first introducing me to this case back in 2019, and I recall being absolutely appalled by the conduct of particular authorities and organisations. However, it was only upon reading this recount, that I have fully come to understand the intricacies and nuances of this diplomatic and politically driven case.
Thank you @hachetteaus for gifting me this copy to read and review!
Thank you @hachetteaus for gifting me this copy to read and review!
April 18, 2020
Craig Foster details the fight to bring Hakeem Al-Araibi back to Australia. The biggest takeaway from this book for me was the amount of public pressure which was placed on 2 nations and sporting governing bodies, bringing attention to human rights abuses which could no longer be swept under the carpet. By dismantling the system of secrecy around this case, the world was watching and all eyes were on the decision-makers who had the power to determine Hakeem's fate. Another example of how abusive systems and people rely on secrecy to maintain power and control, however what is done in darkness will eventually be brought to light, in this life or the next.
July 10, 2023
[Audible version]
A moving behind-the-scenes account of the fight to free Hakeem. Craig Foster’s tone is measured but still passionate. The story occasionally gets bogged down in acronyms and other minor details but mostly it is engrossing. An uplifting story in the midst of cruelty and stilted bureaucracy. I hope we get to hear more of Hakeem’s own perspective one day, when it’s safe.
A moving behind-the-scenes account of the fight to free Hakeem. Craig Foster’s tone is measured but still passionate. The story occasionally gets bogged down in acronyms and other minor details but mostly it is engrossing. An uplifting story in the midst of cruelty and stilted bureaucracy. I hope we get to hear more of Hakeem’s own perspective one day, when it’s safe.
February 25, 2021
My knowledge of football is very basic so dis find it hard at some points to follow who was who but this was a very insightful story, I had no idea this happened as well.
It raises very good points on how us as Australians handle refugees
It raises very good points on how us as Australians handle refugees
November 4, 2024
I completely missed this when it happened so it was nice to learn about(well mostly nice) and uplifting to see so many people pull together to help free hakeem and get him back to Australia
Not normally my sort of thing but good to broaden my horizons
Not normally my sort of thing but good to broaden my horizons
July 9, 2020
Cracking book
Gripping read from start to finish. Hard to put down. Accessible even for a non soccer fan. Not too long and an easy read.
Gripping read from start to finish. Hard to put down. Accessible even for a non soccer fan. Not too long and an easy read.
January 20, 2024
"Fighting for Hakeem" by Craig Foster is a compelling and powerful account that sheds light on the intersection of sports, human rights, and activism. Foster's narrative revolves around the inspiring journey of Hakeem al-Araibi, a Bahraini footballer and refugee, who faced grave injustices and persecution but ultimately found resilience and support in the global football community.
One of the notable strengths of Foster's work is its ability to intertwine a personal story with broader themes of human rights and social justice. The book captures the harrowing experiences of Hakeem al-Araibi, who fled persecution in Bahrain only to find himself wrongfully detained in Thailand, facing the threat of extradition back to a country where he feared torture and imprisonment. Foster's narrative humanizes the struggles of refugees and underscores the importance of international solidarity in safeguarding their rights.
The role of sport in advocacy and activism is a central theme in the book. Foster, a former professional footballer turned journalist and human rights advocate, brings a unique perspective to the story. He highlights how the global football community, including players, clubs, and fans, united to campaign for Hakeem's release. The narrative serves as a testament to the transformative power of sport as a force for positive change and a platform for amplifying human rights issues.
Foster's writing is both engaging and empathetic, capturing the emotions and challenges faced by Hakeem and those fighting for his freedom. The book provides insight into the complexities of international diplomacy and legal battles, demonstrating the importance of persistent advocacy in the face of injustice.
Moreover, "Fighting for Hakeem" is not just a chronicle of events; it is a call to action. Foster encourages readers to reflect on the broader issues of human rights violations, refugees' rights, and the role that individuals and communities can play in effecting change. The book inspires a sense of collective responsibility and underscores the impact that dedicated individuals can have in championing justice.
In conclusion, "Fighting for Hakeem" is a compelling and timely narrative that combines sports, human rights, and activism into a story of resilience and solidarity. Craig Foster's storytelling captures the essence of the human spirit and the potential for positive change when people come together to fight for justice. This book is a testament to the importance of raising awareness, advocating for human rights, and standing in solidarity with those who face persecution.
One of the notable strengths of Foster's work is its ability to intertwine a personal story with broader themes of human rights and social justice. The book captures the harrowing experiences of Hakeem al-Araibi, who fled persecution in Bahrain only to find himself wrongfully detained in Thailand, facing the threat of extradition back to a country where he feared torture and imprisonment. Foster's narrative humanizes the struggles of refugees and underscores the importance of international solidarity in safeguarding their rights.
The role of sport in advocacy and activism is a central theme in the book. Foster, a former professional footballer turned journalist and human rights advocate, brings a unique perspective to the story. He highlights how the global football community, including players, clubs, and fans, united to campaign for Hakeem's release. The narrative serves as a testament to the transformative power of sport as a force for positive change and a platform for amplifying human rights issues.
Foster's writing is both engaging and empathetic, capturing the emotions and challenges faced by Hakeem and those fighting for his freedom. The book provides insight into the complexities of international diplomacy and legal battles, demonstrating the importance of persistent advocacy in the face of injustice.
Moreover, "Fighting for Hakeem" is not just a chronicle of events; it is a call to action. Foster encourages readers to reflect on the broader issues of human rights violations, refugees' rights, and the role that individuals and communities can play in effecting change. The book inspires a sense of collective responsibility and underscores the impact that dedicated individuals can have in championing justice.
In conclusion, "Fighting for Hakeem" is a compelling and timely narrative that combines sports, human rights, and activism into a story of resilience and solidarity. Craig Foster's storytelling captures the essence of the human spirit and the potential for positive change when people come together to fight for justice. This book is a testament to the importance of raising awareness, advocating for human rights, and standing in solidarity with those who face persecution.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews