F1 journalists denied entry as King Hamad tries to “shut eyes” on regime atrocities being comitted on the streets

F1 grand prix: Bahrain denies entry to journalists
Mark Sweney – guardian.co.uk – 20 April, 2012

Sky News chief correspondent among non-sport reporters refused access in attempt to stifle coverage of protests

Bahrain has denied entry to a number of journalists from news organisations including Sky, which holds the UK TV rights to broadcast this weekend’s controversial Formula One grand prix from the Gulf state, as the regime attempts to stifle coverage of political protests.

Bahrain’s authorities have granted permission for journalists who regularly cover Formula One to enter the country but have denied visas to other reporters from news organisations including Sky News, CNN, Reuters and the Financial Times.

Journalists who have been refused entry include Stuart Ramsay, chief correspondent at Sky News, who is being forced to file coverage from Dubai.

“Govt refuses to explain why I can’t come in,” Ramsay said on Twitter. “Govt welcomes f1 but not independent journalists who actually understand the complexity of this issue.”

Ramsay expressed his frustration in another tweet. “Lots of confusion sky tv is big sky news and sky sports and sky movies are all different I am news and all govts know this,” he said. “We are excluded without redress but have asked to represent all sides.” …more