Editorial: Repression is a shameful background to Bahrain’s Grand Prix
It is difficult to concentrate on the sport of motor racing against a background of human rights abuses
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.If Charles Dickens showed us the best of times and the worst of times in A Tale of Two Cities, this weekend’s tale of two sporting events has something to say – albeit on a smaller canvas – about the best and worst of human society.
At home, we have the uplifting spectacle of the 33rd London Marathon. Undaunted by the horrific attack at its Bostonian counterpart, some 36,000 runners and more than a million spectators will descend on the capital tomorrow. Something north of £500m will be raised for charity as participants from all over the world and of every athletic ability – or lack of it – come together for a glorious celebration of shared effort and shared humanity.
If only the same could be said of the Grand Prix taking place in Bahrain on the same day. It is not the motor racing that cannot stand the comparison. But it is difficult to concentrate on the sport against a background of human rights abuses. Less than three years ago, pro-democracy protests were crushed, leaving more than 50 dead and hundreds arrested. Discontent and repression have continued ever since. And, despite tear gas and stun grenades from the police, tens of thousands of Bahrainis have called for the race to be cancelled. It should have been. There might not be tumbrils in the streets, but Bahrain is still no place for sport.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments