Despite concerns over human rights abuses prior to and during the event, Bahrain hosted to 2014 Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix over the weekend. The race, as well as efforts to highlight its impact on human rights abuses in Bahrain, was covered extensively in international media, including Buzzfeed and The Economist.Amnesty International noted the history of crackdowns in Bahrain during the race, citing past cases like that of Salah Abbas, who was killed by security forces at a protest during the 2012 Grand Prix. Bahrain Center for Human Rights acting president Maryam al-Khawaja said the Grand Prix should be cancelled, citing the link between the event and escalated repression of human rights on the ground.

In the UK Parliament, an Early Day Motion opposing the staging of the 2014 Bahrain Grand Prix due to human rights violations received 34 signatures. Meanwhile, Oliver Brown, a journalist who covers F1 racing, noted that Formula One has been more than accommodating to the regime’s desire to keep their domestic crisis out of the international media. This complicit response to Bahrain’s serious human rights concerns is why ADHRB filed anOECD complaint against Formula One management, teams, and sponsors.

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