Activists have called for Formula 1 to suspend the Bahrain Grand Prix due to alleged human rights abuse in the country.
The race was cancelled in 2011 following reforms in the Kingdom, and protests have been held ahead of event every year since.
“Concerted and visible action is now required from Formula One, consistent with its commitments to human rights,” activists said in a letter to Chase Carey, Sean Bratches, Ross Brawn, and the chief executive of sponsor Heineken.
“We call on you to suspend this year’s race in view of the alarming situation in the country.”
In 2015, F1 published a statement of commitment to respect internationally recognised human rights, despite then CEO Bernie Ecclestone dismissing concerns with comments like “what human rights?”.
Though Liberty Media are seen to be a little more forward thinking than Ecclestone, activists said they didn’t hold much hope that this year’s race would be cancelled.
A spokesman for the Bahrain government told Reuters the country has implemented “ a range of institutional and legal reforms over recent years, in close collaboration with international government and independent experts.
“As a result of these efforts, Bahrain now has a number of internationally recognised safe guards in place to ensure human rights abuses do not occur.
“Like other Formula One host nations, Bahrain will work alongside the organisation to help support these commitments and the Kingdom welcomes the opportunity to demonstrate its own highly significant strides as part of this process.”
Campaigners say people are still suffering in the country.
