Formula 1 President Should Meet with Human Rights Advocates About Bahrain Grand Prix

Washington, D.C. — Today, Human Rights First addressed a letter to Formula 1 president and CEO, Bernie Ecclestone, urging the organization to rethink its decision to allow Bahrain to host a Grand Prix event later this year. The letter provides an overview of the human rights violations and sectarian tensions that have traumatized Bahrain over the last several months and the government’s inability to protect its people. HRF’s Brian Dooley said, “It appears that the assessment of the human rights situation presented to the World Motor Sport Council was not a full or accurate picture, and conflicts with the evidence on the ground.” In the letter, Human Rights First offered to meet with Mr. Ecclestone and brief him in person on the severity of the Bahrain human rights situation. HRF also warned Mr. Ecclestone that the Grand Prix could very well be disrupted by public protests.