The Bahraini embassy responds to the criticisms
Bahrain is a Middle Eastern country, located next to Saudi Arabia, currently under a constitutional monarchy regime. While this region is not known for its respect for human rights, the Bahrain embassy has responded to criticisms following the extension of its contract with Formula 1.
It’s official, Formula 1 has just extended its contract with Bahrain until 2036, making it the longest contract in history. At least, the first one to be signed for such a long term. But this decision has left some uneasy.
For Formula 1, the objective is to demonstrate that sport can be a good partner for all the host countries of Grand Prix races. However, some accuse the state of not respecting Human Rights. Thus, Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei, President of the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy, expressed his discontent by writing a letter directly to Stefano Domenicali, President of Formula 1.
For Alwadaei, this long-term contract is synonymous with disregard for the mistreated and imprisoned individuals in Bahrain. This contract directly contradicts your statement from last year, affirming that you take violence, human rights abuses, and repression very seriously, he asserts in his letter. Therefore, this decision would go against the values advocated by Formula 1.
A portion of Formula 1’s response states that its values remain unchanged. « We take our responsibilities regarding Human Rights very seriously and have high ethical standards for our partners. »
A clear response from the embassy.
Furthermore, the response from the Bahrain embassy is more firm. Bahrain has implemented reforms in favor of human rights in the region, and contradicting this does not reflect today’s reality, stated the government spokesperson. Bahrain is one of the regions with the most robust human rights protection systems, with independent bodies such as the independent ombudsman – the first of its kind in the Middle East – tasked with safeguarding rights and investigating any human rights-related issues, according to the statement.
The reforms of the police code of conduct, accompanied by comprehensive training, support a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of abuse. Additionally, the reform of the criminal justice system, related to judicial reform or alternative sentences, ensures better protection and improved outcomes. Wanting to remove Bahrain from the Formula 1 calendar is absurd, out of context, and underestimates the significant progress and leadership of Bahrain in this field. Bahrain actively embraces and supports the role that Formula 1 plays in highlighting human rights abuses in all countries where it goes, today and in the future, concludes the statement.
