F1, Prestige and Power, fuel King Hamad’s Rhetoric of Reform

Questions Surround Bahraini Government Commitment to Reform
29 March, 2102 – POMED

Al-Jazeera reported that the government argues that it has fulfilled the obligations of the BICI report released in November, but rights groups argue the opposite: the government has largely ignored “critical recommendations” and has yet to deal with “accountability for torture and relief for those unjustly imprisoned during the uprising.”

On Wednesday, Human Rights Watch released a report documenting dozens of cases of citizens imprisoned simply for speaking out and demanding change. “No high-ranking officials have been investigated for their role in rampant torture or unlawful killings,” said Joe Stock, the deputy Middle East director at HRW.

Reports of abuse question the decision being contemplated by Formula One chief executive Bernie Ecclestone to carrying out the grand prix. AA poll taken in F1 Racing Magazine shows that nearly 60% of international fans said it was “not right” for the gran prix to proceed. About 24% said it was right. The ethical questions surrounding F1’s decision have only been made worse by recent reports that show the conditions of the country may be worsening.

Today, Human Rights First testified before congress documenting the continuing human rights abuses as the government of Bahrain unremittingly oppresses its people. This testimony questions the morality of another decision: the decision to re-consider a new arms sale to Bahrain. “The Department of defense plays an important role in demonstrating leadership abroad,” said Sadia Hameed of Human Rights First urging the committee members to protect American values. …more