Time for World to Realize, al Khalifa Regime is not only Voice in Bahrain – Biggest lie in Bahrain History: Human Rights Restored. King Hamad disconnected from reality

Bahrain gives assurance over Formula One fears
Gary Meenaghan – 10 January, 2012 – National

The Bahrain Grand Prix was last staged in 2010 and there are indications that it will resume this year.

Organisers of the Bahrain Grand Prix have moved to quell rising fears regarding the situation in the Kingdom after human rights groups called for Formula One teams to boycott the race planned for April 22.

Last year’s grand prix was cancelled following unrest in the Gulf state, but the race has returned to the calendar this year following assurances from the Crown Prince that the issues are being dealt with.

Nabeel Rajab, the vice-president of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, said last weekend that a campaign will be held to boycott the race, adding “Formula One, if they come, are helping the government to say [the situation is normal].

“We would prefer it if they didn’t take part. I am sure the drivers and teams respect human rights.”

However, a spokesperson for the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) on Monday said the government, which had an independent report carried out last year, has moved to ensure no further human rights violations will take place.

“Last year, the King of Bahrain commissioned an independent report into alleged human rights abuses, the findings of which were published in November,” the spokesman said. “The report found evidence of human rights violations and made certain general and specific recommendations.

“The government has fully acknowledged the findings of the report and is acting swiftly and convincingly on the recommendations.”

Bernie Ecclestone, the commercial rights holder of Formula One, said at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November that he saw no reason not to return to Bahrain and did not believe the race would become a target for protesters. …more