The Defenders

The Defenders — Plot

When talented Australian refugee footballer Hakeem al-Araibi steps off the plane in Thailand for his honeymoon, he finds himself facing an Interpol arrest order for alleged terrorism offences. What unfolds is the gripping true story of a heroic whistle-blower who, on speaking out about his own torture, sets off a revenge plot involving three countries, two royal families and the world's most powerful sporting body, FIFA. As Hakeem awaits extradition back to Bahrain, a group of campaigners led by a retired Australian football captain Craig Foster fight for his release.

• Release date
• June 15, 2023
• Runtime
• 81 min
• Genres
• Documentary
• Director
• Matthew Bate

The Defenders — Cast

Hakeem al-Araibi Craig Foster