Bahrain reacts to boycott demands

Faced with the tensions that animated the Kingdom of Bahrain, the F1 was forced to withdraw the Grand Prix from the 2011 season calendar. The re-registration of the event for the year 2012 pushed the Bahraini Center for Human Rights to demand from the discipline's paddock a boycott of the race. Faced with this new controversy, the organizers of the Grand Prix which should be held on April 22 wanted to reassure the government's good intentions regarding the defense of Human Rights in the Kingdom.

“Last year, the King of Bahrain opened an independent investigation into possible human rights abuses”, recalls the organizers of the Grand Prix. “This research published in November highlighted human rights violations and produced general and specific recommendations. The government has reviewed all of the findings of the investigation and has worked promptly on these recommendations. The Bahrain GP represents a fundamental part of the local economy. It is supported by an overwhelming majority of the population, all social classes combined, and represents a symbol of national unity. This independent investigation was an important milestone for Bahrain and we will work tirelessly to ensure the race is a success. »