19th April 2012

BAHRAIN MEDIA ROUNDUP

FORMULA 1
Protests ahead of race:
Bahrain protests ahead of Formula One race Anti-government protests are continuing in Bahrain ahead of the Formula One race there. Protesters threw rebombs and riot police red tear gas in Bahrain, after Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone announced the F1 Grand Prix will be held there. Clashes broke out after the funeral of activist Ahmed Ismail, who authorities say was killed last month during a protest. Read More

Bahrain braces for wave of F1 protests Bahrain is braced for three days of protests to coincide with the controversial formula one grand prix as the government and organisers insisted that the event would proceed as planned. Riot police red teargas and stun grenades in sporadic clashes with protesters as the authorities in the Gulf island state sought to project an image of stability before Sunday's race. Read More

Protests continue in Bahrain ahead of Grand Prix Riot police have red tear gas and stun grenades at anti-government protesters taking to the streets of the Bahraini capital Manama. Read More More:
New oppositional rallies in Bahrain: Voice of Russia Days of rage slam brakes on Bahrain's 'peace' Protesters plan three days of rage as racing circuit arrives in Bahrain Unrest simmers ahead of Bahrain Grand Prix - BuenosAiresHerald.com A day of rage in Bahrain | Video | Reuters.com gulfnews : Stun grenades used to disperse protesters at Formula One exhibit Protesters arrested in Bahrain before race - UPI.com OfcialWire: Mideast: Bahrain Police Fire Tear Gas On Protest March Demonstrations Planned as Racing Event Heads for Bahrain | Middle East | English Protests rage as Bahrain Grand Prix event to start www.montrealgazette.com/sports/Tear+stun+grenades+quell+protest+Bahrain+capital/6488752/story.html F1: Protests rage as Bahrain Grand Prix event to start | GMA News Online | The Go-To Site for Filipinos Everywhere Protests continue in Bahrain ahead of Grand Prix | euronews, world news Bahrain on edge as Formula 1 crackdowns mount - BusinessWeek Bahrain police re tear gas on anti-government protesters chanting slogans against Formula One Grand Prix - @AP - breakingnews.com CBBC Newsround - Protests and violence in Bahrain ahead of Grand Prix Bahrain police use tear gas, stun grenades on protest march | Fox News Protest clash casts shadows over Bahrain GP - Racer.com Bahrain police 're buckshot' to disperse F1 protest | Bangkok Post: news Police, Activists Clash in Bahrain Ahead of Formula One Return VOA Breaking News Sports News Now Violence mars build-up to Bahrain Grand Prix www.middleeastvoices.com/2012/04/special-coverage-countdown-to-bahrain-f1-will-protests-derail-it-90077/ www.itbusinessnet.com/article/Protests-over-Bahrain-F1-1982243 KBOI News/Talk 670 - Boise, Idaho www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Bahrain+activists+days+rage+Grand+Prix/6477966/story.html Protests planned near Bahrain circuit - News - Rutland and Stamford Mercury Bahrain braces for wave of F1 protests | World news | guardian.co.uk Violence mars Bahrain F1 | Kuwait Times Bahrain protests continue after night of clashes video | World news | guardian.co.uk Daily Times - Leading News Resource of Pakistan Bahrain To Hold Grand Prix Despite Expected Protests - NCPR News from NPR First Bahrain practice session due amid more protests | ITV News Protests ahead of Bahrain Grand Prix - 7M sport

More groups and individuals calling for race to be cancelled:

Continued calls to cancel Bahrain F1 Britain's shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper has said this weekend's Formula One Grand Prix in Bahrain should be cancelled because of continuing anti-government protests in the Gulf kingdom. 'I don't think British drivers should go and I don't think F1 should go ahead in Bahrain,' the Labour MP said. 'Although it should be a matter for the sport to decide rather than for the Government and I don't think the Government should take the nal decision, I do think ministers can express an opinion. Read More

Calls to cancel Bahrain Grand Prix Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has called for the Bahrain Grand Prix to be cancelled amid violent anti-government protests in the Gulf state. Ms Cooper said British F1 stars Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton should not take part in the controversial sporting event, which is expected to spark a wave of demonstrations from pro-democracy campaigners. Read More More:
www.stamfordadvocate.com/sports/article/F1-team-Sauber-urged-to-make-pro-democracy-stand-3493500.php Head in the sand: Human rights organisations blast F1 for ignoring Bahrain Grand Prix concerns The Score German lawmaker urges Bahrain F1 Grand Prix cancellation F1 team Sauber urged to make pro-democracy stand - Boston.com More pull out as F1 resists Bahrain axe pressure :: PaddockTalk :: F1, Formula 1, NASCAR, IndyCar, MotoGP, ALMS, And More! Companies shun Bahrain Grand Prix hospitality | Reuters Call to cancel Bahrain Grand Prix (From Blackpool Citizen) 'No-one will ever be forgiven' for going to Bahrain | Page 1 | F1 News | Apr 2012 | Crash.Net Anthony Hilton: Bahrain F1 sponsors on a crash course | PR & public relations news | PRWeek www.arabianbusiness.com/uk-politician-says-bahrain-f1-must-be-called-off-454659.html?tab=Comments F1 team Sauber urged to make pro-democracy stand - BusinessWeek Call To Cancel F1 As Bahrain Protests Rage Blood and money splits F1 in Bahrain | The Nation 'This government should be punished internationally' | World | DW.DE | 19.04.2012 British politicians warn sponsors over Bahrain Grand Prix

Various opinion pieces on Bahrain GP, most against

Bahrain: chequered ag

Formula One's grand prix in Bahrain has backred before it has even begun. If the Bahraini authorities wanted to use the race as a symbol of business as usual after their crackdown on anti-government protesters last year, they are in for a disappointment. Read More

Bahrain's Formula One for failure

The Formula One (F1) has always been a loss-leader for Bahrain. The country pays a fee to host it -- estimated to be at least $40 million each year -- and doesn't recoup this in direct ticket sales. Rather, the race is supposed to stimulate business worth hundreds of millions of dollars through its knock-on effect on other business. A 2008 study commissioned by the state sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat, suggested that the race added $600 million -- or about 2.7 percentage points -- to Bahrain's gross domestic product (GDP) that year. Read More

Bahrain Grand Prix should go on but the sport needs to look at itself Formula One is not everyone's idea of a Sunday well spent. I'm sure there are those who would love to escape from F1 forever. I know I have felt that way on a few occasions! But because it is a global sport with 350 million viewers for 20 of the 52 weekends of the year, it is difcult to ignore. Read More

Meanwhile Bahrain has been making it hard for foreign journalists to enter:
Bahrain denies visas to foreign journalists for F1 Bahrain has denied visas to foreign journalists and photographers, including from AFP, to cover this Sunday's controversial Grand Prix race. An AFP photographer, accredited by the sport's governing body, the FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile), was informed by Bahrain's information affairs authority that there has been a "delay to your visa application, so it might not be processed." Read More More:
2 AP journalists are being prevented from covering the Bahrain Grand Prix because they have not received visas - @AP - breakingnews.com AP journalists prevented from entering Bahrain - BusinessWeek PressTV - Bahraini regime denies visas to foreign journalists for F1 Bahrain Grand Prix 2012: authorities refusal to allow news media into the kingdom causes uproar - Telegraph

It was widely reported that a re bomb attack came close to Force India car:
Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix: Force India Team Members Caught Up In Petrol Bomb Attack Members of the Force India Formula 1 team were caught up in a petrol bomb attack in Bahrain on Wednesday. One of the team members has returned home from the Grand Prix, after the group witnessed the incident on the way back to their hotel from the circuit in the evening. Read More More:
Bomb explodes near F1 team members | Adelaide Now www.hufngtonpost.co.uk/2012/04/19/formula-1-bahrain-grand-prix-force-india-petrol-bomb-attack_n_1436605.html?ref=uk Force India team car delayed by rebomb on way to hotel in Manama; no one in vehicle injured - 4/19/2012 5:31:15 AM | Newser Force India caught in Bahrain rebomb attack The Score BBC Sport - Bahrain petrol bomb 'unfortunate' - race chief Sports News Now Force India team caught in Bahrain rebomb blast www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/2012/04/19/363-Force-India-members-involved-in-rebomb-incident-in-Manama-ahead-of-Bahrain-GP.html AGI.it - Molotov cocktail explodes near Force india car in Bahrain Video: Bahrain Grand Prix 2012: protesters lmed hurling rebombs at police - Telegraph 1250 AM WTMA: The Big Talker | News and Talk from Charleston, South Carolina Petrol bomb scare for Force India F1 team SportsNewsIreland Force India tighten security after Bahrain scare | Reuters Force India team vehicle survives re bomb in Manama | CanIndia NEWS Force India abandon Bahrain Grand Prix practice as Sauber encounters 'masked men' | Metro.co.uk F1 teams rattled by Bahrain petrol bombs | Reuters Force India staying for Bahrain GP - Motorsport - Sportal India Bahrain Grand Prix: F1 Force India crew race to safety Force India bus in re bomb escape > F1 News > Grandprix.com Bahrain Grand Prix: Force India team caught up in petrol bomb scare - Mirror Online F1 team caught in rebomb clash Petrol bomb scare fuels Bahrain concerns Safety fears raised as Bahrain protestors hurl petrol bomb over Force India car | Sports - Home Eagle Radio - The Station that Loves Surrey and Hampshire - News - F1 Team Caught Up In Bahrain Firebomb Attack Silverstone-based Force India to work only in daylight hours, after petrol bomb scare in Bahrain - Local - Northampton Chronicle and Echo Bahrain bomb scare for Force India team - Hindustan Times F1 Team Caught Up In Bahrain Firebomb Attack F1 drivers stay focused despite Force India scare in Bahrain - The National Petrol bomb raises Bahrain GP fears - International News - livemint.com Force India crew caught in Bahrain blast - Motorsport - Sportal New Zealand

The attack led to two team members leaving Bahrain

It's not safe: Force India duo y home after petrol bombing The controversial Bahrain Grand Prix came under renewed threat as two Force India employees ew home after team personnel were forced to ee protesters hurling petrol bombs. The incident happened when four Force India team members were unwittingly caught up in a battle between security forces and anti-government demonstrators. They were stuck in trafc after leaving the Sakhir Circuit just outside the capital Manama. Read More More:
Bahrain GP: Force India staff leave after petrol bomb The Express Tribune Force India member returns home after bombing in Bahrain | Metro.co.uk 2 Force India team members leave Bahrain - sportsnet.ca F1 staff leave Bahrain after petrol bomb Two Force India members to leave Bahrain - Sports - Formula One - ibnlive www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/f1-mechanics-ee-bahrain-after-petrol-bomb-attack-during-street-protest-7661468.html BusinessDay - Force India Formula One staff leave Bahrain after bomb Uneasiness in Force India as two members leave Bahrain | Indian Sports News F1: Force India Mechanics Flee Bahrain After Molotov Cocktail Attack Force India staff leave Bahrain after petrol bomb - Rediff.com Sports 2 Force India team members to leave Bahrain, a day after team car was delayed by a rebomb Force India members ee Bahrain | Setanta Bahrain Grand Prix 2012: Force India pair y home after petrol-bomb attack | Mail Online

Security stepped up:

Bahrain tightens security as Formula One teams practice for controversial race in Gulf kingdom Authorities in Bahrain on Friday stepped up security around the Formula One circuit at the start of the controversial Grand Prix racing weekend in the Gulf kingdom, roiled by political turmoil for over a year. The 2011 Bahrain GP was canceled because of a wave of anti-government protests by the islands Shiite majority and punishing crackdowns by the Sunni rulers that have killed at least 50 people. Read More More:
Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix: Ex-Metropolitan Police Ofcer John Yates 'Can't Guarantee Security' Video: Bahrain Grand Prix 2012: More violence 'may push teams over the edge' - Telegraph Radio New Zealand : News : Sport : F1 ofcials reassure over safety, despite violence in Bahrain Tension rising in Bahrain ahead of Formula One Grand Prix - Video on msnbc.com Unease Surrounds Bahrain Grand Prix - NYTimes.com F1 hunkers down for Bahrain Grand Prix as tensions rise in Manama | Sport | The Guardian Sources: Trepidation and concern over Bahrain Grand Prix | ITV News Organisers: No threat to Bahrain event - News - Lancashire Evening Post www.journallive.co.uk/pa-feeds/newcastle-sports-news/2012/04/20/fears-grow-over-bahrain-gp-call-off-84229-30801033/ Concern over Bahrain Grand Prix (From Braintree and Witham Times) www.windsorstar.com/news/ofcials+Bahrain+safe+despite+violence/6489429/story.html Security high in Bahrain after incident - Zawya Bahrain F1 under threat: Voice of Russia Bahrain tightens security ahead of F1 weekend | Lake Wylie Pilot - Lake Wylie, SC Bahrain tightens FI security Situation not ideal in Bahrain: Nico Hulkenberg - Sport - DNA BBC News - Bahrain security stepped up for F1 practice runs Bombs increase Formula One fears in Bahrain | The Australian Bahrain rulers to ignore protests, stage F1 race - The Times of India National Sport | Di Resta reveals Bahrain concerns NZ Safety concerns arise at Grand Prix in Bahrain from NZCity

More on Grand Prix stories:

Opposition MP's visit at BIC causes furore among groups Bahrain's largest opposition group Al Wefaq National Islamic Society on Thursday made its stance clear that it was indeed upset after visit by one of its senior member at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), where the three day F-1 race will be held. The opposition group has been vocal in leading protests calling for the boycott of the three day F-1 race that starts on Friday. Read More

Bahrain in the human rights spotlight ahead of Grand Prix Bahrain's government came under growing pressure Thursday after international media who descended on the tiny Gulf kingdom to cover the country's Formula One race turned their attention to persistent anti-government protests. Kevin Eason, motor racing correspondent for Britain's Times newspaper, told msnbc.com that what he had seen throughout Bahrain in the past few days had changed the way he viewed protesters inthe country. Read More
Formula One returns to divided Bahrain - CBS News F1 returns to Bahrain | Motorsports | CentreDaily.com Formula One drivers keep focus on track | Reuters Rubber and rubber bullets - Bahrain Grand Prix preview | Bahrain Grand Prix | F1 features | ESPN F1 Bahrain: What's really going on? - AUTOSPORT PLUS www.globaltvbc.com/sports/bahrain+rulers+hoping+f1+race+will+help+rebuild+image+despite+political+unrest/6442624359/story.html BBC iPlayer - Assignment: Bahrain Formula 1

OTHER STORIES FROM THE DAY:

hunger strike are playing a game of brinkmanship as his health deteriorates days before the Formula One Grand Prix, a showcase event for the Gulf state as its grapples with political unrest. Read More who has been on a hunger strike for more than two months. Bahraini police red stun grenades in a bid to clear the crowd. Alkhawajas wife, Khadija al-Mousawi, gave an update on her husbands condition and criticized Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone for ignoring his plight. Read More

Game of brinkmanship in Bahrain over hunger strike Bahrain's government and a jailed Shi'ite rights activist who is on

Activists Demand Release of Bahraini Hunger Striker Another protest was held Wednesday calling for the release of Abdulhadi Alkhawaja, a jailed activist

Inside Bahrain's riot police The Bahrain police force has been

accused of human rights abuses, from random detentions to torture. On a normal weekend they have 30 - 50 operations. 04-19-2012 Watch here