DUBAI: Bahrain vowed yesterday to take “appropriate” security measures for its Formula One race, as thousands of demonstrators kept up daily protests.
Bahrain “will ensure that appropriate security measures are taken during the F1 race and will take enough measures as in all other countries which host such international sporting events,” government spokeswoman Samir Rajab said.
“The security situation in Bahrain is very reassuring,” she said, quoted by state news agency BNA. Her remarks came as witnesses said thousands took to the streets in Dair village near Manama international airport demanding the ouster of the government — led for decades by the monarch’s uncle Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.
“Sooner or later the people will achieve victory,” the protesters chanted. “Down with the government” and “Resign Khalifa.”
No clashes were reported.
Under the banner “Democracy is our right,” the mainly Shia opposition is organising a week of protests that began on Friday to coincide with the April 19-22 Grand Prix in Bahrain.
The major Shia opposition bloc Al Wefaq is planning a demonstration on April 19, as the event kicks off on the Sakhir circuit south of the capital.
On Saturday, clashes between protesters and police erupted as thousands demonstrated across several Shia villages, urging reforms. Police fired buckshot and tear gas, severely wounding a 14-year-old boy in the face, according to Al Wefaq, which warned that “escalation and violence by the regime against the people ... demanding democracy will fail.”
The Shia bloc said yesterday that 98 people have been arrested so far this month and 31 others wounded in clashes with police.
According to Human Rights Watch, police have been rounding up pro-democracy activists in bid to head off protests over the Gulf state’s hosting of the Formula One.
Last year’s Bahrain Grand Prix went ahead against an ugly backdrop as police responded to protesters throwing petrol bombs by using tear gas, sound bombs and birdshot.AFP
