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Bahrain grand prix protests - live updates Bahrain grand prix protests - live updates
(40 minutes later)
2.20pm: Blogger Lulu Avenue says that people are preparing to march on Lulu or Pearl roundabout (see 1.56pm update) at 4.30pm (2.30pm BST) but that there is a heavy security presence.
.. @COALITION14 just announced that 4:30 everyone will be heading to #lulu #Bahrain #F1 #BahrainGP
— Lulu Avenue (@LuluAvenue) April 22, 2012
Armored vehicles & lots of police presence surrounding most of the villages right now #Bahrain #F1 #BahrainGP
— Lulu Avenue (@LuluAvenue) April 22, 2012
@COALITION24 is coalition 14 Feb, a group named after the first day of the current uprising, which began on 14 February last year.
1.56pm: Protesters are planning to march on Lulu or Pearl roundabout, Bahrain Online reports.
Pearl roundabout was the hub of last year's uprising. The giant white monument in the middle of the roundabout was destroyed by the authorities last year, as was the mound of grass that had been home to thousands for weeks.
In February last year police had carried out an early morning raid on the protest camp killing at least four people and injuring dozens.
1.47pm: This Guardian video shows pictures of protesters burning tyres as well as footage of Salah Abbas Habib Musa, who was found dead on Saturday. Opposition activists claim he was killed by riot police. Warning: Video contains images of a graphic nature.1.47pm: This Guardian video shows pictures of protesters burning tyres as well as footage of Salah Abbas Habib Musa, who was found dead on Saturday. Opposition activists claim he was killed by riot police. Warning: Video contains images of a graphic nature.

Habib, 36, was a father of five.

Habib, 36, was a father of five.

1.25pm: AP reports that the Bahraini authorities are beefing up security to prevent protests during the grand prix.1.25pm: AP reports that the Bahraini authorities are beefing up security to prevent protests during the grand prix.

Witnesses say security forces in Bahrain are setting up checkpoints and ringing armoured vehicles into anti-government strongholds to confront possible protests coinciding with the Gulf nation's Formula One Grand Prix.
Witnesses say security forces in Bahrain are setting up checkpoints and ringing armoured vehicles into anti-government strongholds to confront possible protests coinciding with the Gulf nation's Formula One Grand Prix.
1.20pm: Some have argued that the grand prix is actually a boon for the Bahraini opposition by drawing attention to them. But activist Mohammed Ashoor does not believe the interest will last.1.20pm: Some have argued that the grand prix is actually a boon for the Bahraini opposition by drawing attention to them. But activist Mohammed Ashoor does not believe the interest will last.
The race will end soon, the global attention will leave with it, yet my people will still suffer. #Bahrain #f1 #BahrainGPThe race will end soon, the global attention will leave with it, yet my people will still suffer. #Bahrain #f1 #BahrainGP
— #SaveAlKhawaja (@MohmdAshoor) April 22, 2012— #SaveAlKhawaja (@MohmdAshoor) April 22, 2012
1.12pm: A video featured on the Enduring America blog shows Bahraini protesters setting tyres on fire in the capital, Manama. They display a banner protesting agains the grand prix and calling for the release of imprisoned activist Abdulhai al-Khawaja.1.12pm: A video featured on the Enduring America blog shows Bahraini protesters setting tyres on fire in the capital, Manama. They display a banner protesting agains the grand prix and calling for the release of imprisoned activist Abdulhai al-Khawaja.
It is unclear when the video was filmed.It is unclear when the video was filmed.
1.04pm: The race has started successfully.1.04pm: The race has started successfully.
12.49pm: Whether it is a result of protests or not, attendance at the grand prix appears thin.12.49pm: Whether it is a result of protests or not, attendance at the grand prix appears thin.
Formula One journalist Byron Young tweets this picture of the stand looking far from full.Formula One journalist Byron Young tweets this picture of the stand looking far from full.
The grandstand opposite the pits. Strangely quiet. Counting fans 1...2...3..4 twitter.com/byronf1/status…The grandstand opposite the pits. Strangely quiet. Counting fans 1...2...3..4 twitter.com/byronf1/status…
— Byron Young (@byronf1) April 22, 2012— Byron Young (@byronf1) April 22, 2012
12.46pm: @al9aaaad8 claims that the road to the race track is being blocked by protesters.12.46pm: @al9aaaad8 claims that the road to the race track is being blocked by protesters.
seef highway is blocked for anyone heading to #f1 circuit by protesters for over 10 mins with no traffic movement so far #bahrainseef highway is blocked for anyone heading to #f1 circuit by protesters for over 10 mins with no traffic movement so far #bahrain
— al9aaaad8 (@al9aaaad8) April 22, 2012— al9aaaad8 (@al9aaaad8) April 22, 2012
The same Tweeter claims that an Indian man has been killed by teargas canisters thrown into his house by "mercenaries". The Guardian cannot independently verify this report. Opposition activists claim that a large number of the deaths since the start of the uprising have been as a result of teargas.The same Tweeter claims that an Indian man has been killed by teargas canisters thrown into his house by "mercenaries". The Guardian cannot independently verify this report. Opposition activists claim that a large number of the deaths since the start of the uprising have been as a result of teargas.
12.21pm: The Anonymous collective has hacked into a Formula One website in protest at the staging of the Bahrain GP. It has also published a data dump of ticket sales and attendees but it has redacted personal details to preserve privacy. The statement by Anonymous says:12.21pm: The Anonymous collective has hacked into a Formula One website in protest at the staging of the Bahrain GP. It has also published a data dump of ticket sales and attendees but it has redacted personal details to preserve privacy. The statement by Anonymous says:
How dare the government of Bahrain hide behind an international sporting event as an attempt to conceal the oppression it is committing against its own people. How dare King al-Khalifa claim that the hundreds of thousands of demonstrators who march in the streets for freedom, democracy and non-sectarianism are "just a few troublemakers." How dare they waste the people's money to hire public relations firms to lie on their behalf about the crimes they're committing.How dare the government of Bahrain hide behind an international sporting event as an attempt to conceal the oppression it is committing against its own people. How dare King al-Khalifa claim that the hundreds of thousands of demonstrators who march in the streets for freedom, democracy and non-sectarianism are "just a few troublemakers." How dare they waste the people's money to hire public relations firms to lie on their behalf about the crimes they're committing.
How dare the Formula One organisation allow the royal family to profit millions of dollars off of holding an event there, money which in turn is being used to purchase tear gas and live ammunition which has been used against civilians while Formula One is being held. How dare Bernie Ecclestone and the Formula One organisation condone such horrific violations of human rights in the name of profit. As a response for your callus disregard for human life we, Anonymous, are taking the liberty of educating you, your fans, and the world about the crisis in Bahrain and giving you a cyber taste of your own medicine.How dare the Formula One organisation allow the royal family to profit millions of dollars off of holding an event there, money which in turn is being used to purchase tear gas and live ammunition which has been used against civilians while Formula One is being held. How dare Bernie Ecclestone and the Formula One organisation condone such horrific violations of human rights in the name of profit. As a response for your callus disregard for human life we, Anonymous, are taking the liberty of educating you, your fans, and the world about the crisis in Bahrain and giving you a cyber taste of your own medicine.
To the fans of F1: You have every right to watch and enjoy your sport, but you have the responsibility to consider the ramifications of your support of this event. Please do the right thing and join the people of Bahrain in solidarity by boycotting this event. Do not watch it on television, do not visit F1 websites. Show that you do not condone racing on the blood of the innocent. Turn your eyes away from this abominable race for this one weekend to send a clear message that the fans of F1 value the rights of people more than the sick negligence of humanity.To the fans of F1: You have every right to watch and enjoy your sport, but you have the responsibility to consider the ramifications of your support of this event. Please do the right thing and join the people of Bahrain in solidarity by boycotting this event. Do not watch it on television, do not visit F1 websites. Show that you do not condone racing on the blood of the innocent. Turn your eyes away from this abominable race for this one weekend to send a clear message that the fans of F1 value the rights of people more than the sick negligence of humanity.
11.55am: There is on just over an hour to go until the grand prix is scheduled to start but there are plenty of empty seats, according to the Press Association's Ian Parkes.11.55am: There is on just over an hour to go until the grand prix is scheduled to start but there are plenty of empty seats, according to the Press Association's Ian Parkes.
Drivers' parade taking place in front of virtually no fans in any grandstand other than the main one.Drivers' parade taking place in front of virtually no fans in any grandstand other than the main one.
— Ian Parkes (@ianparkesf1) April 22, 2012— Ian Parkes (@ianparkesf1) April 22, 2012
11.51am: Dan Rather, one of the USA's most venerable broadcasters, reports that a Bahraini fixer, who helped with his programme has been freed after being arrested by security forces on Friday night.11.51am: Dan Rather, one of the USA's most venerable broadcasters, reports that a Bahraini fixer, who helped with his programme has been freed after being arrested by security forces on Friday night.
After our Bahrain story aired, Mohammed Hasan, the fixer/journalist we interviewed, received threats, but continued to do interviews, including with BBC and at a press conference that Bahraini journalists had convened. On Friday night, he was helping a group of British ITN journalists who had snuck in with tourist visas. They were in a village covering a protest, and Hasan was 'ambushed' -his friend says the police came from behind and hit him with a stun grenade. He was surrounded and beaten with the back of a gun.After our Bahrain story aired, Mohammed Hasan, the fixer/journalist we interviewed, received threats, but continued to do interviews, including with BBC and at a press conference that Bahraini journalists had convened. On Friday night, he was helping a group of British ITN journalists who had snuck in with tourist visas. They were in a village covering a protest, and Hasan was 'ambushed' -his friend says the police came from behind and hit him with a stun grenade. He was surrounded and beaten with the back of a gun.
He was treated at a hospital and taken to a prison called Dry Dock. He has since been released and it's believed that the charges will be "participating in an illegal gathering of more than 5 people", "vandalism" and "rioting."He was treated at a hospital and taken to a prison called Dry Dock. He has since been released and it's believed that the charges will be "participating in an illegal gathering of more than 5 people", "vandalism" and "rioting."
The state dept in Bahrain knows of his situation and and we have notified the Committee to Protect Journalists and Human Rights Watch.The state dept in Bahrain knows of his situation and and we have notified the Committee to Protect Journalists and Human Rights Watch.
11.16am: Detained Bahraini opposition activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja (see 10.53am) met the Danish ambassador today but refused to take saline his wife has said (via Enduring America).11.16am: Detained Bahraini opposition activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja (see 10.53am) met the Danish ambassador today but refused to take saline his wife has said (via Enduring America).
Meanwhile Khawaja's daughter Zainab (a well known blogger under the name of Angry Arabiya) was arrested yesterday after staging a sit-in on the road leading to the Formula One circuit, the Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights reports.Meanwhile Khawaja's daughter Zainab (a well known blogger under the name of Angry Arabiya) was arrested yesterday after staging a sit-in on the road leading to the Formula One circuit, the Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights reports.
Said Yousif, from the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, says Zainab al-Khawaja refused to go to see the public prosecutor today and is being held in jail.Said Yousif, from the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, says Zainab al-Khawaja refused to go to see the public prosecutor today and is being held in jail.
11.00am: Mohamed, tweeting under the handle @almakna, has posted a picture of black smoke rising (as reported seperately by Reuters), taken by @14Feb which he says is near the hotel Formula One drivers are staying in.11.00am: Mohamed, tweeting under the handle @almakna, has posted a picture of black smoke rising (as reported seperately by Reuters), taken by @14Feb which he says is near the hotel Formula One drivers are staying in.
Demonstators have been burning tyres to protest against the staging of the grand prix.Demonstators have been burning tyres to protest against the staging of the grand prix.
10.53am: A focus for recent protests in Bahrain has been the continued detention of leading opposition activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja (pictured below), who has been on hunger strike for 74 days.10.53am: A focus for recent protests in Bahrain has been the continued detention of leading opposition activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja (pictured below), who has been on hunger strike for 74 days.
His family and human rights groups have expressed fears that he could die. Amnesty International has called for his release, describing him as a prisoner of conscience, and the UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, has urged Bahrain to re-consider its refusal to allow Denmark to take custody of him (he has Danish citizenship). Khawaja was sentenced to life-imprisoment in June last year for his part in the uprising against the western-backed Sunni monarchy, on charges opposition activists and human rights groups say were trumped up.His family and human rights groups have expressed fears that he could die. Amnesty International has called for his release, describing him as a prisoner of conscience, and the UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, has urged Bahrain to re-consider its refusal to allow Denmark to take custody of him (he has Danish citizenship). Khawaja was sentenced to life-imprisoment in June last year for his part in the uprising against the western-backed Sunni monarchy, on charges opposition activists and human rights groups say were trumped up.
The interior ministry has moved to dispel fears about Khawaja's health today and said the Danish ambassador would be meeting the activist.The interior ministry has moved to dispel fears about Khawaja's health today and said the Danish ambassador would be meeting the activist.
There is no truth to rumors of the condition of Abdulhadi Al Khawaja. He is in good health & will meet Danish ambassador today at 10am #BAHThere is no truth to rumors of the condition of Abdulhadi Al Khawaja. He is in good health & will meet Danish ambassador today at 10am #BAH
— Ministry of Interior (@moi_bahrain) April 22, 2012— Ministry of Interior (@moi_bahrain) April 22, 2012
10.31am: Bahrain Online claims that security forces are trying to make sure that protests cannot take place.10.31am: Bahrain Online claims that security forces are trying to make sure that protests cannot take place.
Regime forces blocking/quarantining a number of entrances of villages around #lulu to prevent protestors leaving the villages #BahrainRegime forces blocking/quarantining a number of entrances of villages around #lulu to prevent protestors leaving the villages #Bahrain
— BahrainOnline (@ONLINEBAHRAIN) April 22, 2012— BahrainOnline (@ONLINEBAHRAIN) April 22, 2012
10.13am: The Press Association's Formula One journalist provides some sense of the extent of the security operation today - he says he has counted 86 police cars on their way to race.10.13am: The Press Association's Formula One journalist provides some sense of the extent of the security operation today - he says he has counted 86 police cars on their way to race.
On the final day of the 'count the police cars' game' heading to the track, today's grand total is 86!On the final day of the 'count the police cars' game' heading to the track, today's grand total is 86!
— Ian Parkes (@ianparkesf1) April 22, 2012— Ian Parkes (@ianparkesf1) April 22, 2012
Meanwhile, Bernie Ecclestone appears to think it appropriate to make jokes about the situation.Meanwhile, Bernie Ecclestone appears to think it appropriate to make jokes about the situation.
Mr E and BIC boss Zayed Al Zayani in media centre. Stops for pvt chat with @alanbaldwinf1 and I. Jokingly suggests 2nd race here this year.Mr E and BIC boss Zayed Al Zayani in media centre. Stops for pvt chat with @alanbaldwinf1 and I. Jokingly suggests 2nd race here this year.
— Ian Parkes (@ianparkesf1) April 22, 2012— Ian Parkes (@ianparkesf1) April 22, 2012
10.01am: The Guardian's Richard Williams writes that the furore surrounding today's race is a result of Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone's "habit of taking the money and asking no questions".10.01am: The Guardian's Richard Williams writes that the furore surrounding today's race is a result of Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone's "habit of taking the money and asking no questions".
What has happened on the oil-rich island in the Persian Gulf is a direct result of the way Ecclestone has run the sport since taking control 30 years ago. His willingness to tear up its traditional roots and follow the money into new territories opened the way for an eventual collision between a spectacle whose audience is still largely European and countries with non-democratic systems of government.What has happened on the oil-rich island in the Persian Gulf is a direct result of the way Ecclestone has run the sport since taking control 30 years ago. His willingness to tear up its traditional roots and follow the money into new territories opened the way for an eventual collision between a spectacle whose audience is still largely European and countries with non-democratic systems of government.
Bahrain is the wrong time and the wrong place in which to maintain the pretence that sport is sport and politics is politics, and that the two have no interdependence. The country's royal family destroyed that fiction when they had posters put up around their Sakhir circuit featuring the slogan "UniF1ed – One Nation in Celebration", an explicit use of Formula One to bolster their claim to have taken steps to improve conditions for their people since the first demonstrations in March 2011, part of the "Arab spring", caused the cancellation of last year's grand prix. Amnesty International's most recent report on the situation in Bahrain calmly but remorselessly dismantled those claims ...Bahrain is the wrong time and the wrong place in which to maintain the pretence that sport is sport and politics is politics, and that the two have no interdependence. The country's royal family destroyed that fiction when they had posters put up around their Sakhir circuit featuring the slogan "UniF1ed – One Nation in Celebration", an explicit use of Formula One to bolster their claim to have taken steps to improve conditions for their people since the first demonstrations in March 2011, part of the "Arab spring", caused the cancellation of last year's grand prix. Amnesty International's most recent report on the situation in Bahrain calmly but remorselessly dismantled those claims ...
Ecclestone's habit of taking the money and asking no questions ensured that one day he would place the Formula One teams and their personnel in the position they now find themselves: nervous of their personal safety and uncertain how to respond to the question of whether they should be there at all. Thanks to him, a sport whose conscience was once troubled only by its environmental impact now looks like a pariah.Ecclestone's habit of taking the money and asking no questions ensured that one day he would place the Formula One teams and their personnel in the position they now find themselves: nervous of their personal safety and uncertain how to respond to the question of whether they should be there at all. Thanks to him, a sport whose conscience was once troubled only by its environmental impact now looks like a pariah.
9.51am: Good morning. Welcome to Middle East live. The focus today is on Bahrain where the Formula One grand prix is going ahead despite a growing international outcry.9.51am: Good morning. Welcome to Middle East live. The focus today is on Bahrain where the Formula One grand prix is going ahead despite a growing international outcry.
BahrainBahrain
• The grand prix is set to go ahead amid intensifired criticism of the staging of the race in the Gulf state following the discovery of the body of a protester allegedly abducted from a village by security forces. According to the opposition party Wefaq, the body of 36-year-old Salah Abbas Habib Musa, a father of five, was found on a rooftop in the Shia village of Shakhoura the day before the race. Pictures of Habib's body shown on Bahraini television appeared different to a long-lens shot of his body taken from a neighbouring roof just after the body's discovery (warning: graphic), suggesting that sticks had been placed around his body and a catapult placed in his hand.• The grand prix is set to go ahead amid intensifired criticism of the staging of the race in the Gulf state following the discovery of the body of a protester allegedly abducted from a village by security forces. According to the opposition party Wefaq, the body of 36-year-old Salah Abbas Habib Musa, a father of five, was found on a rooftop in the Shia village of Shakhoura the day before the race. Pictures of Habib's body shown on Bahraini television appeared different to a long-lens shot of his body taken from a neighbouring roof just after the body's discovery (warning: graphic), suggesting that sticks had been placed around his body and a catapult placed in his hand.
• Nabeel Rajab, one of the country's leading opposition activists, has accused the Bahraini government of holding back Habib's body to prevent his funeral coinciding with the grand prix.• Nabeel Rajab, one of the country's leading opposition activists, has accused the Bahraini government of holding back Habib's body to prevent his funeral coinciding with the grand prix.
Doesn't appear that the authority will hand over the body of the martyr in order not to bury him today &get exposed in front of #F1 visitorsDoesn't appear that the authority will hand over the body of the martyr in order not to bury him today &get exposed in front of #F1 visitors
— Nabeel Rajab (@NABEELRAJAB) April 22, 2012— Nabeel Rajab (@NABEELRAJAB) April 22, 2012
• Black smoke from burning tyres has been wafting over Budaiya this morning, ahead of the race, which is due to begin at 1pm BST. Budaiya, outside the capital of Manama, was the scene of mass protests on Friday.• Black smoke from burning tyres has been wafting over Budaiya this morning, ahead of the race, which is due to begin at 1pm BST. Budaiya, outside the capital of Manama, was the scene of mass protests on Friday.
• Fahad al Binali, spokesman for the Bahrain information affairs authority, said measures were in place to prevent any disruption to the event. He told the BBC: "Guaranteeing is difficult, but we have the best measures in place. I'm very confident and assure everybody about safety."• Fahad al Binali, spokesman for the Bahrain information affairs authority, said measures were in place to prevent any disruption to the event. He told the BBC: "Guaranteeing is difficult, but we have the best measures in place. I'm very confident and assure everybody about safety."
SyriaSyria
• Syrian troops stormed and shelled districts in a suburb of Damascus today, activists told AP, a day after the security council voted to expand the number of UN truce monitors to 300 members in hopes of salvaging an international peace plan marred by continued fighting between the military and opposition rebels.• Syrian troops stormed and shelled districts in a suburb of Damascus today, activists told AP, a day after the security council voted to expand the number of UN truce monitors to 300 members in hopes of salvaging an international peace plan marred by continued fighting between the military and opposition rebels.
Douma-based activist Mohammed Saeed said two people were killed by indiscriminate firing in the sprawling district, the scene of intense clashes between rebels and security forces before a cease-fire went into effect more than a week ago.Douma-based activist Mohammed Saeed said two people were killed by indiscriminate firing in the sprawling district, the scene of intense clashes between rebels and security forces before a cease-fire went into effect more than a week ago.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based opposition group with a network of activists on the ground, confirmed the deaths. It reported that a third person was killed overnight in the village of Hteita outside Damascus when troops opened fire from a checkpoint.The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based opposition group with a network of activists on the ground, confirmed the deaths. It reported that a third person was killed overnight in the village of Hteita outside Damascus when troops opened fire from a checkpoint.
It was not immediately clear what prompted the attack on Douma. Saeed said loud explosions that shook the city early Sunday caused panic among residents, some of whom used mosque loudspeakers to urge people to take cover in basements and in lower floors of apartment buildings.
"This UN observers thing is a big joke," Saeed said. "Shelling stops and tanks are hidden when they visit somewhere, and when they leave, shelling resumes."		It was not immediately clear what prompted the attack on Douma. Saeed said loud explosions that shook the city early Sunday caused panic among residents, some of whom used mosque loudspeakers to urge people to take cover in basements and in lower floors of apartment buildings.
"This UN observers thing is a big joke," Saeed said. "Shelling stops and tanks are hidden when they visit somewhere, and when they leave, shelling resumes."