Protestors are calling for the cancellation of the 2018 Bahrain Grand Prix due to the government’s poor human rights record and oppressive policies. The event was cancelled in 2011 due to violent protests that began a month before the event was scheduled.
The 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix was cancelled due to the Bahraini uprising of 2011. This protest was against the leadership of the country. The protest turned violent when military authorities were called in to stop the protests. This resulted in the death of nearly 100 protesters in the first few months of the uprising and multiple human rights violations such a torture.
Local media reports that protests erupted in Al-Akr, roughly 20km east of the Bahrain International Circuit, on Wednesday. Many protestors believe that the FIA should cancel the 2018 Bahrain Grand Prix to show support for the movement.
There is no intent to do so at this time. The Bahrain Grand Prix is set to start with the first free practice session Friday afternoon as scheduled, with the race taking place the evening of April 8. No statement has been issued by Formula One management, the FIA or the Bahrain Grand Prix organizers.
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