Cherif Bassiouni’s report was commissioned by Bahrain’s King following the
unrest last year which led to at least 35 deaths.
It held no punches, making it clear that multiple human rights abuses took
place, that the chain of command was muddled, that officials were not held
accountable and that the situation in the country remained delicate.
It made a number of recommendations which Bahrain’s rulers claim to be acting
upon.
Critics of the race believe it to be a tool of a government which continues to
suppress dissidents and fear that to race there this year would be an
endorsement of the regime.
Others believe a race could exacerbate unrest and pose a security threat to
the local population as well as to F1
personnel.
In the last two weeks the race has been the subject of debate in Westminster
with one group of peers writing to The Times to express their opinion that
F1 should not travel to Bahrain, and another group of MPs following that up
with a letter saying that the race should go ahead.
Teams and sponsors have so far said they will trust in the FIA and Ecclestone
to make the right decision.
Meanwhile, the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) and race sponsor Gulf Air
have pressed on with preparations by unveiling the slogan ‘UniF1ed – One
Nation in Celebration’ under which to promote the grand prix.
Tickets for the event have also gone on sale with a little over two months
left until the scheduled race date of April 22.