Bahrain Grand Prix, “very bad idea”, situation with violent, reckless police and village youth fed up with abuse much like ’76 Soweto or ’69 Belfast

Bahrain Grand Prix 2012: former Bahraini politician fearful over ‘casualties’ at ‘three days of anger’ protests
By Tom Cary – 17 April, 2012 – Telegraph

Three to four thousand people, including women and children, marched peacefully through the village of Al Dair, near the country’s airport, for about an hour waving placards reading “Down with Hamad” [the King] and “We want Freedom not Formula”.

While the atmosphere at the protest remained calm and jovial, reports of an unscheduled gathering in Sitra later this evening are circulating.

Should it go ahead it could prove less peaceful as it has not been “scheduled” through the police and is therefore not considered above board. Protests that have not been announced are considered to pose a greater threat of violence.

Earlier today Jasim Husain, a former Bahraini politician who represented the primary opposition group, Al-Wefaq, for five years prior to resigning in protest following last year’s anti-government demonstrations, warned that one serious incident would be “very likely” to hit F1’s presence hard in Bahrain.

Husain has insisted his views are his own and not that of Al-Wefaq, saying: “I don’t see lots of protests throughout the country, especially outside the vicinity of the racing area.

“But yes, there is this fear, the fear is there that we could see some casualties.

“So it’s now a challenge for the security forces who have to handle things properly. They should avoid using force.

“Of course, people should be free to express their views, but the responsibility is with the authorities who have to show professionalism in managing any protest.

“The good thing is people are peaceful, protesters are peaceful, that violence is not really any particular part of the political challenge in the country.

“But things have to be handled properly by the authorities.”

F1’s rulers have naturally been eager to distance themselves from the political or moral argument, although there is the suggestion it is being used as a tool for the former.

Given the daily protests against the ruling Bahraini regime, operating under the slogan ‘UniF1ed – One Nation in Celebration’ would appear to underline F1’s significance when it comes to purporting all is well, when it is far from the case.

Instead, FIA president Jean Todt asserts his organisation “are only interested in sport not politics”, with Husein believing it wrong F1 is portrayed as being in support of the ruling al-Khalifa royal family.

“That’s the problem really. It should not be presented this way,” said Husein.

“F1 is a sport, an economic positive, and I hope neither side will see the race as a political tool.

“We do have political issues which have to be addressed, and F1 coming or not coming does not mean those problems will go away.

“But certainly this is not a political event and should not have political implications.

“However, we are suffering from this problem because it is being presented this way.

“People are simply pressing for democratic reforms, and ensuring there is equal opportunity for all, to have real participation in decision making.”

One unnamed protester, however, believes F1 does Bahrain no favours as he said: “People here are getting killed, and with F1 here we feel like they are driving on our blood, on our bodies.”

Further demonstrations are due to take place over the next few days, with one in particular today on the doorstep of the Gulf kingdom’s international airport.

It is understood the focus will not only solely centre on pro-democracy rights, but also anti-F1.

Tomorrow, when most F1 personnel are due to arrive, what has been described by a risk assessment group as “a vehicular rally” is to take place along the two highways that lead up to the airport. …source