Human Rights Groups condemned Bahrain F1 Auto Race

Local and international human rights groups have condemned a decision to allow Bahrain stage this year’s popular Formula One (F1) auto race, the Grand Prix.

Motor racing authorities have scheduled the event for October, saying it would help boost Bahrain’s economy after a “difficult time.”

The race was originally called off because of Bahrain’s crackdown on popular protests.

The World Motor Sport Council of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, the sport’s governing body, claimed the decision was a result of a fact-finding mission in Bahrain and “reflects the spirit of reconciliation” in the Persian Gulf sheikhdom, The New York Times reported.

Meanwhile, Zayed R. Alzayani, director of the government-owned Bahrain International Circuit, where the event is held, said that the Grand Prix “transcends politics.”

He however admitted to having “some staff issues.”

The Bahraini regime has sacked at least a quarter of staff from the Grand Prix’s organizing committee, accusing them of taking part in anti-government demonstrations.

Rights groups say the decision to allow Bahrain to hold such a prestigious event damages the push for human rights in the country and severely harms the Formula One’s reputation.

Tom Porteous, a spokesman for Human Rights Watch, called the decision to schedule the race in Bahrain “unfortunate.”

Mohammed al-Maskati, the head of the Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights, also condemned the organizers of the event, emphasizing that it clearly shows that “Formula One does not respect human rights.”

Opponents of the decision have vowed to continue to pressure sponsors, teams and drivers until the race is canceled.

There were already some qualms in the auto world, with prominent former driver, Damon Hill, telling the BBC that Formula One racing would “forever have the blight of association with the repressive methods to achieve order” if it held the race.

The online social activist organization Avaaz.org has meanwhile collected about 400,000 signatures worldwide on an online petition against the race.

The announcement to hold the Grand Prix in Bahrain comes as the popular revolution in the Middle Eastern country enters its 110th day.

Since mid-February, thousands of anti-government demonstrators in Bahrain have staged protests in the streets, calling for an end to Al Khalifa rule, a dynasty that has reigned for almost 40 years.

On March 13, Saudi-led forces were dispatched to the Persian Gulf kingdom upon Manama’s request to quell the countrywide protests.

According to local sources, scores of people have been killed and hundreds arrested so far during the government clampdown on peaceful demonstrations.

Meanwhile, Bahraini security forces have reportedly kidnapped many doctors, university professors, students and activists.

Protesters say they will continue their street demonstrations until their demands for freedom, constitutional monarchy as well as a proportional voice in the government are met.