Bahrain F1 GP Possibly in Doubt Over Civil Rights Issue

In a bit of worrying news, there are chances that the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix could be in trouble. As it turns out, civil rights groups are piling a lot of pressure on the Formula 1 group. According to their demands, the Bahraini government must release an activist jailed over social media posts. Apparently, his posts seemingly criticised the city of Manama’s ability to host the Grand Prix.

As revealed by Agence France Presse (AFP), numerous letters changed hands between Formula One and several rights groups. These include the likes of Human Rights Watch and the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy. The victim in this case is one Najah Yousif, who was jailed for three years. Rights groups say that her offence was criticism of the 2017 edition of the Bahrain Grand Prix.

The prosecution countered, saying that Yousif was “broadcasting false and biased news”. This ‘false and biased news’ was regarding the working conditions in Bahrain. They also accused him of “promoting terrorist acts”.

Later, on February 6th, 17 rights groups signed a letter, beseeching Formula One to “uphold its commitment to human rights”. They wanted F1 to call for Yousif’s immediate release.

The Formula One group responded, through general counsel, Sacha Woodward Hill. On March 4th, Hill “assured that Ms. Yousif’s detention, the charges she faced, her trial and her subsequent conviction had nothing to do with the peaceful protest around the Bahrain Grand Prix”. Naturally, the statement was dismissed by the disgruntled rights groups and labelled “absurd”.

“Taking the Bahraini government’s assurances that no punitive measures will be directed against activists for peacefully opposing the Grand Prix is absurd given Bahrain’s track record of repressive measures to close down protests opposing the races in the country,” Middle East researcher at Human Rights Watch, Aya Majzoub revealed.

Since 2011, Bahrain has been plagued by numerous bouts of unrest. It was triggered when authorities cracked down on Shiite-led protests demanding political reform.

The kingdom will play host to the second Grand Prix of the 2019 season. The F1 paddock will be present at the Sakhir International Circuit from March 29 to March 31 for the GP weekend. However, the teams will have to complete the Australian GP firs before turning their attention to Bahrain. Who will triumph in the opening F1 race? Mercedes, Ferrari? Red Bull? Someone else?