Excess, Vice and Greed mark third year of Eccelstone’s Grand Prix at expense of Protesters Blood

Protesters call for GP to be axed
17 April, 2013 – The Sun

A MAJOR anti-F1 protest is planned ahead of Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix.

Activists have even demanded the race be cancelled.

But F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone and FIA president Jean Todt insist it will go ahead as planned.

Khalil al Marzooq, a senior Al Wefaq leader, announced the demonstration and declared: “The government wants the world to believe the situation is normal.

“Bahrain is not normal. The only thing that is normal is the repression.”

A letter co-signed by four non-governmental organisations has been sent to Ecclestone and Todt.

The appeal came from the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, Bahrain Press Association, Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights, and the UK-based Campaign Against Arms Trade.

The letter read: “If the race went ahead it will be taking place in a country whose government continues to commit gross human rights violations, from arbitrary arrests to torture.

“Given the global controversy and public outcry, last year’s Bahrain Grand Prix was an embarrassment to the sport and all those who took part.

“The race was used by the Bahrain government to broadcast a false picture of normality. The situation in Bahrain has not improved since last year. If anything, it is getting worse.

“By continuing to race, Formula One is facilitating the culture of impunity through which the authorities have operated.

“We hope you do not repeat last year’s mistake. If you do, you will again be allowing a repressive regime to hijack your sport for political purposes.” Todt is not expected to attend the Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir.

However, he responded to the letter by saying: “I take note of your concerns.

“It is our firm belief that sport, and the F1 Grand Prix, can have a positive and healing effect in situations where conflict, social unrest and tensions are causing distress.” …more