BAHRAIN: Human rights activists decry return of Formula 1 Grand Prix
Human rights activists said Friday’s decision by Formula 1 authorities to reschedule a Grand Prix race in Bahrain in October "damages the push for human rights in the country."
“Giving this prestigious event to the Bahrain authorities while there are reports of peaceful protesters being shot in the streets is a formula for disaster,” said Brian Dooley of U.S.-based Human Rights First.
“Hundreds of people remain in detention after months of military rule. Show trials and attacks on human rights activists continue," Dooley said. "Pro-democracy activists are being left in the dust. The Bahraini authorities should not have been awarded this event when they can’t even protect the basic human rights of their people.”
Timeline: Repression in Bahrain
The race was canceled after a pro-democracy uprising in February against the Persian Gulf nation's monarchy that prompted a brutal crackdown and complaints of arbitrary arrests, detentions and sentences by military courts. Bahrain's king lifted the country's state of emergency Wednesday, but protests continued Friday as pro-democracy demonstrators clashed with police in the capital, Manama, and elsewhere.
“By aligning itself with the violent Bahraini regime, Formula 1’s reputation will be severely damaged,” added Dooley. “Racing fans everywhere should be dismayed that Formula 1 is lending its stamp of approval to a country where reform has stalled.”
-- Molly Hennessy-Fiske in Cairo
Photo: An unidentified man jogs past the entry to the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain, on Thursday. Formula 1's governing body decided to reschedule the Bahrain Grand Prix on Friday for October. Bahrain organizers insist they are ready to host the race, which was meant to open the season but was postponed following anti-government protests in February that eventually left at least 30 dead. Credit: Hasan Jamali/Associated Press.
I love Formula 1, I'm a big fan. I trust that the race in Bahrain will not happen. If it does, they will lose me forever. I have been patient with their racist behaviour especially towards Lewis, only coz I'm a vivid supporter of Lewis and with all the crap they put him through he needs his fans. But Bahrain will be my last straw. I love the people of Bahrain and I believe they deserve respect and dignity. F1 in Bahrain undermines what they are fighting for and what some of us take for granted. I pray for the people of Bahrain and all other peoples that are oppressed and fighting for their freedom. That day will come, it's only a matter of when. Formula 1 is a world sport. They owe it to their fans to act with common sense, grace and wisdom. After all, without us, the fans, their is no formula one.
Posted by: Patriciank | June 07, 2011 at 11:11 AM
shame shame on F1
the nation are punished in prisons
doctors, teachers, students and workers are punished in Torture chambers
Why?
Posted by: sara | June 07, 2011 at 04:51 AM
The hypocricy of the people against Bahrain Formula 1 is amazing. The same teams have no problem driving with Fuel provided by the same "Cruel" Govts in other locations ? Do they think people are stupid that they cant see thru this charade?
And less said about the environmental impact of F1 racing, the better - the amount of fossil fue which is blown away in a few hours to keep some people happy should force this "sport" to be shutdown.
Let me suggest to Mr. Vettel and his bandwagon boys - try racing solar powered cars !
Posted by: DefenderBH | June 04, 2011 at 08:24 AM
Yes, F1 is back in Bahrain...
A Slap in the face of those who want to spoil the reputation of the other wise peaceful and joyful country. Bahrain is well known in the region for its tolerance to all, regardless of anybody's ethnicity, race, religion, Bahrain has been for centuries like a mother to all of us.
There are numerous churches, temples, synagogues, and mosques in an other wise orthodox region.
The protesters are rouges who belong to one ethnic group, namely Shias controlled and brainwashed by their leaders sitting in palaces of Iran, Iraq or Lebanon. Shias have all the rights of any Non Shia Bahraini, and the issues they face is the same issues faced by Sunnis. But Sunnis don't blindly obey religious leaders barking from the podiums.
What do you want from Bahrain, to become like Iran?! Everybody knows how bad in a state is Iran!
This whole protest was a joke, there are no rights being taken away, they just want to take the rule in their hands in order to give it in a sliver plate to the Irani led Clerics.
Foreigners in Bahrain would all testify to the fact that the only fear they have in Bahrain is caused by these rouge Shias, otherwise, they feel at home.
This Human rights organizations are being blinded by pictures from Palestine, Gaza, Iraq and being claimed that these are results of the Police oppression.
I am an Asian born in Bahrain. I love Bahrain and its people, I have Shia friends who know the truth about these protesters and abhor them.
The Pearl Roundabout was a den for rouge youngsters, girls and ladies were encouraged to come and give them selves as gifts to the boys to enjoy. Cleaners found thousand of condoms in the surrounding of the roundabout daily. Yeah! Heck of a protest!
Posted by: Mohammed | June 04, 2011 at 04:23 AM
They want to host the Formula 1 for there international reputation only to show the world that Bahrain is stable and this is not true
free people of Bahrain has said there word " No to Formula 1 in Bahrain this year"
and we hope from the owner of Formula 1 rights support us
Posted by: Bashayer | June 04, 2011 at 12:26 AM
People with HONESTY, INTEGRITY, COURAGE and DIGNITY all over the world will Boycott Formula One AND all the Products that are ADVERTISED on their Cars and Banners AND Any Product RELATED to or MARKETED By Formula One.
This is a promise to all who deal with Formula One
Posted by: alaziz | June 03, 2011 at 07:40 PM
Bernie wants his money. He's got two daughter and that makes eventually two weddings he has to pay for. Not to mention the ex-wife he has to support.
Now you know what is really the driving force in F1. How did Cuba Gooding put it so eloquently???........Show me the money!!!!
Posted by: Cosmo Kramer | June 03, 2011 at 05:54 PM
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Posted by: Alexa | June 03, 2011 at 03:57 PM
Shame on Formula 1. The Bahrain Govt. is the most repressive & Violent.
I will boycott Formula 1 from here on.
Posted by: Dallas Ali | June 03, 2011 at 03:24 PM
shame on Formula 1 for supporting murderers.
Posted by: saynotohypocrisy | June 03, 2011 at 03:08 PM
What the fate of the demonstrators for democracy in Bahrain??
Al-Khalifa will kill protesters
Only to crush the protests
The Formula One involved in the killing of demonstrators
By coming to Bahrain
Bahraini opposition agreed to host Formula One
For one reason and we know it
When the protests started
Has been postponed race Formula One
For this cause
Killed 29 demonstrators
And the detention more than a thousand demonstrators
Arrest of each worker in the medical field dealt with protesters
The expulsion of more than 2000 workers from their jobs
Wounded no statistically
Because they are afraid to go to hospital
To this day and continued repression
If the prevention of the race entirely in Bahrain
Al-Khalifa will take revenge from us
Posted by: ABDULLRAHMAN | June 03, 2011 at 01:44 PM
They see that the money is more important than human rights
Posted by: Bahraini Girl | June 03, 2011 at 12:51 PM