Human rights group want Bahrain GP pulled

Apr 6, 2017 - 12:48 PM Human rights campaigners have urged Formula One management to cancel next week's Bahrain Grand Prix, accusing the country's rulers of using the race to "whitewash" abuses and improve their image abroad.

Bahrain's biggest sporting event has been held since 2004, with the exception of 2011 when violent civil unrest forced its cancellation.

"Concerted and visible action is now required from Formula One, consistent with its commitment to human rights," the groups said in a letter to Formula One chairman Chase Carey and the two managing directors Sean Bratches and Ross Brawn.

"We call on you to suspend this year's race in view of the alarming situation in the country."

The letter, also addressed to the chief executive of F1 sponsor Heineken, was sent by the Gulf Centre for Human Rights, Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy, Article 19 and Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain.

Activists recognised privately, after a media briefing, that they did not expect the call to be heeded.

Formula One, criticised for holding races in countries accused of abuses against government opponents, published a commitment in 2015 to respect "internationally recognised human rights in its operations globally."

Formula One is now owned by American-based Liberty Media, which took over the sport in January and ousted Bernie Ecclestone as commercial supremo.

A spokesman for Formula One Management was not immediately available for comment.

Source: AAP