Australia’s race discrimination commissioner is urging Thai authorities to release a Melbourne-based refugee who faces extradition to his home country where he could be imprisoned and tortured.

Commissioner Chin Tan has written to the Ambassador of Thailand to Australia Nantana Sivakua calling for the immediate release of Hakeem al-Araibi who has been detained in Thailand since November 27 following an incorrectly issued Interpol red notice.

Bahraini refugee Hakeem al-Araibi is being detained in Thailand. Credit:Mark Aviellino

“I write to you to convey my serious concerns about the ongoing detention of Mr Hakeem Ali al-Araibi in Thailand,” Mr Tan wrote in his letter on December 21.

“Mr al-Araibi was granted permanent residency by the Australian government last year in recognition of his status as a refugee.