Formula One Protesters Labeled As 'Enemies Of The State' By Top MP

Bahrains who call for people to boycott the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix have been labeled as "traitors" and "enemies of the state" by a top MP, according to Sandeep Singh Grewal of GULF DAILY NEWS. Radical opposition groups "have planned a series of protests" against the race and are "actively using social media to try and build up support for their campaign in the international community." The Coalition of February 14 "urged public to burn their tickets and sabotage billboards" featuring F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone ahead of the race. But parliament's human rights committee Chair MP Ahmed Al Sa'ati said that "sports should not be mixed with politics or human rights." Sa'ati: "There are conflicts all around the world, but that does not mean banning or stopping sports activities as it has nothing to do with those issues. Those who are opposing the F1 race in Bahrain are enemies of the state ... they are traitors" (GULF DAILY NEWS, 4/1).