Bahrain
25.11.20
Statements

Concerns about the decision by Formula 1 to resume racing


The undersigned organisations, are writing to express their concerns about the decision by Formula 1 to resume racing in Bahrain following the postponement of the Bahrain Grand Prix in March due to the Covid-19 pandemic, despite continuing abuses against protestors who oppose the event. The Grand Prix has become a flashpoint for protesters who see the event as ‘sportswashing’ Bahrain’s worsening human rights situation, and proceeding with the event without taking steps to protect the right to peacefully protest it, including publicly opposing abuses against protestors, risks making sportswashing a reality.



Access the full letter here



Signatory organisations:

  1. ACAT-France (Action by Christians for the Abolition of Torture)
  2. Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB)
  3. Article 19
  4. Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy (BIRD)
  5. CIVICUS
  6. Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
  7. European Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (ECDHR)
  8. Football Supporters Europe
  9. Freedom House
  10. Human Rights Watch
  11. International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)
  12. International Service for Human Rights (ISHR)
  13. World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT)
  14. Reprieve
  15. Transparency International Germany
  16. World Players Association


    For more information, please contact:

    Iolanda Jaquemet, Director of Communications

    ij@omct.org,

    +41 79 539 41 06