Have spent the last hour or two wading my way through the much anticipated, very comprehensive (500-page) report produced by the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry [BICI] into what went on in the kingdom earlier this year. You can read it here.
It's early to draw conclusions, but it's already abundantly and graphically clear that many instances of torture/abuse of detainees did indeed take place, that the chain of command in Bahrain was/is muddled, that officials were not held accountable and that the situation in the country remains extremely delicate. The opposition are also criticised.
The report draws a number of conclusions and makes recommendations as to future governance and compliance with international laws and conventions. It is to be hoped that these will be acted upon.
King Hamad, who commissioned the report, has promised reform after expressing “dismay” at the mistreatment of Shiite detainees uncovered (although not everyone believes him – in fact, the Reuters reporter in Manama says the "crackdown has left Bahrain polarised along sectarian lines, with low expectations from both sides that the inquiry would lead to reconciliation").
“We do not tolerate the mistreatment of detainees and prisoners," said King Hamad who noted that the authorities have charged 20 members of the security forces. "We are dismayed to find that it has occurred, as your report has found. We will introduce and implement reforms that would please all segments of our society." You can read his full reaction here.
Whether he will be as good as his word, whether the "reforms" he promises will be enough to placate anti-government protesters, and whether, if they are introduced, they will lead to greater democracy and peace, only time will tell.
As far as next April's scheduled grand prix is concerned, my feeling is that it remains in the balance. Formula One's teams and sponsors are clearly waiting to see how the world reacts to this report; to judge the mood. After what happened this summer – when the grand prix was reinstated only to be dropped again following international condemnation – they are highly sensitive. It will be interesting to see what reaction, if any, emerges from the paddock in Brazil this weekend.
As a rule, making decisions on where to race based on whether you agree with a country's politics is dangerous. Going down that route would mean difficult questions for many other sports and many other countries (although I agree with Max Mosley that Bahrain as a venue is different in that it uses the race as a clear PR tool for a kingdom rather than as mere entertainment).
At times, though, it is absolutely necessary. The Basil d'Oliveira affair, which has been well documented over the past few days following the cricketer's death, was a good example. The sporting boycott of South Africa had a huge role in ending Apartheid. After what went on this year – corroborated by the findings of the BICI – F1 would be fully justified in asking for, and indeed should demand to see, clear signs of progress in Bahrain before committing to any race.
F1 will also want to ensure that it is entirely safe to race there. The fact that the publication of today's report was preceded by protests in a Bahraini village where police allegedly used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators, will concern them. Mind you, if F1 made decisions on where to race based on whether any protests in that country had been dispersed by tear gas in the preceding five months then there would not be many races.
The Crown Prince was in Abu Dhabi assuring everyone that security was not a concern but protests such as we saw this morning will not breed confidence. It only takes one group, or even one individual posing as a group, to threaten a Day of Rage', to target the race, and the teams and sponsors will get antsy.
There is speculation that the race may be moved back in the 2012 calendar – possibly paired with Abu Dhabi in November – when the calendar is signed off at the next WMSC meeting, particularly if Austin is called off. That would buy everyone more time. One thing is for sure, F1 can't afford a repeat of this year's bungled approach.
It's early to draw conclusions, but it's already abundantly and graphically clear that many instances of torture/abuse of detainees did indeed take place, that the chain of command in Bahrain was/is muddled, that officials were not held accountable and that the situation in the country remains extremely delicate. The opposition are also criticised.
The report draws a number of conclusions and makes recommendations as to future governance and compliance with international laws and conventions. It is to be hoped that these will be acted upon.
King Hamad, who commissioned the report, has promised reform after expressing “dismay” at the mistreatment of Shiite detainees uncovered (although not everyone believes him – in fact, the Reuters reporter in Manama says the "crackdown has left Bahrain polarised along sectarian lines, with low expectations from both sides that the inquiry would lead to reconciliation").
“We do not tolerate the mistreatment of detainees and prisoners," said King Hamad who noted that the authorities have charged 20 members of the security forces. "We are dismayed to find that it has occurred, as your report has found. We will introduce and implement reforms that would please all segments of our society." You can read his full reaction here.
Whether he will be as good as his word, whether the "reforms" he promises will be enough to placate anti-government protesters, and whether, if they are introduced, they will lead to greater democracy and peace, only time will tell.
As far as next April's scheduled grand prix is concerned, my feeling is that it remains in the balance. Formula One's teams and sponsors are clearly waiting to see how the world reacts to this report; to judge the mood. After what happened this summer – when the grand prix was reinstated only to be dropped again following international condemnation – they are highly sensitive. It will be interesting to see what reaction, if any, emerges from the paddock in Brazil this weekend.
As a rule, making decisions on where to race based on whether you agree with a country's politics is dangerous. Going down that route would mean difficult questions for many other sports and many other countries (although I agree with Max Mosley that Bahrain as a venue is different in that it uses the race as a clear PR tool for a kingdom rather than as mere entertainment).
At times, though, it is absolutely necessary. The Basil d'Oliveira affair, which has been well documented over the past few days following the cricketer's death, was a good example. The sporting boycott of South Africa had a huge role in ending Apartheid. After what went on this year – corroborated by the findings of the BICI – F1 would be fully justified in asking for, and indeed should demand to see, clear signs of progress in Bahrain before committing to any race.
F1 will also want to ensure that it is entirely safe to race there. The fact that the publication of today's report was preceded by protests in a Bahraini village where police allegedly used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators, will concern them. Mind you, if F1 made decisions on where to race based on whether any protests in that country had been dispersed by tear gas in the preceding five months then there would not be many races.
The Crown Prince was in Abu Dhabi assuring everyone that security was not a concern but protests such as we saw this morning will not breed confidence. It only takes one group, or even one individual posing as a group, to threaten a Day of Rage', to target the race, and the teams and sponsors will get antsy.
There is speculation that the race may be moved back in the 2012 calendar – possibly paired with Abu Dhabi in November – when the calendar is signed off at the next WMSC meeting, particularly if Austin is called off. That would buy everyone more time. One thing is for sure, F1 can't afford a repeat of this year's bungled approach.
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