By Dylan Takores
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

MANAMA, Bahrain – Protests over the Grand Prix race continued in Bahrain on Sunday when protestors set up roadblocks, complete with barricades and burning tires, in the streets leading to Manama.

Protestors called the event a “race of blood” intended to cover up rights violations.  The activists represent the Shia majority in Bahrain.  They contend that the Sunni royal family continues to deny rights to the majority Shia population.  At the protests, many carried signs stating, “Your race is a crime” and “No, no to the race of blood.”

Confrontations occurred in numerous Shia-inhabited villages across the country in addition to the capital.  Police fired birdshot, tear gas, and stun grenades at protestors in an attempt to disperse the crowds.  In response, many threw stones back at police.

Hundreds of Shia protestors attempted to overtake Pearl Square in Manama on Saturday; the same site where protests initially began in 2011.  Police fired tear gas at the demonstrators.  Some in the crowd responded by hurling Molotov cocktails at police.  The police eventually succeeded in dispersing the crowd.

Heightened security was deployed around the event to prevent skirmishes at the race.  Armed guards in security vehicles slowed traffic to a single lane toward the entrance of the event and inspected each car.

Despite the numerous confrontations, the government refused to cancel the Grand Prix race.  According to the AFP, the confrontations have largely been limited to the Shia villages.  Crown Prince Salaman strongly contended that the race is not an attempt to cover up rights violations.  It is merely a celebration of the sport.

The government and opposition leaders tried to engage in dialogues to reach a compromise, however the government remains divided on how to respond to the protests.  The Crown Prince admitted that the talks are moving too slowly.

In contrast to the reformist views of the Crown Prince, officials loyal to unelected Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salaman al-Khalifa have hindered the dialogue process.  The loyalists fear that any negotiations and compromises may degrade their power and influence in the country.

 

For further information, please see:

Al Jazeera – Clashes as Bahrain Grand Prix goes ahead – 21 April 2013

BBC – Bahrain protests over Grand Prix – 21 April 2013

NDTV Sports – Bahrain Grand Prix ends without disruption despite protests – 21 April 2013

The Times – Protestors make presence felt before Bahrain GP – 21 April 2013

Impunity Watch – Start Your Engines: Tear Gas Fired at Activists in Bahrain – 16 April 2013