Bahrain protests threatens Grand Prix

07/04/12 16:03 CET

world news

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Continuing violence in Bahrain is being closely watched by Formula One racing’s governing body amidst calls for next month’s Grand Prix to be postponed.

On Friday an estimated 5000 protesters clashed with police in the capital Manama during a rally to demand the release of jailed activist
Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, who is on hunger strike.

He is serving a life sentence for his role in anti-government protests last year. His lawyer says his condition is getting worse and human rights groups are calling for him to be released.

His daughter Zainab is also in captivity having been arrested during a protest against her father’s detention.

Formula One organisers say they are constantly monitoring the situation. Last year’s race was postponed, re-instated then finally cancelled because of the ongoing disturbances.

More about: Bahrain, Formula 1, Protest

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