‘Bahrain unable to secure F1 auto race’

Former assistant commissioner of London Metropolitan Police Service John Yates said on Thursday that “People say can we guarantee security. Of course we can’t guarantee security. I’d be a fool to sit here and say that.”

Yates was hired by Manama in December 2011 to advise the Bahraini government on police reforms following a November report by the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry, which said regime forces “resorted to the use of unnecessary and excessive force, terror-inspiring behavior and unnecessary damage to property” during popular protests in the country.

Yates has signed a six-month contract with the Manama regime.

He also stated that the Bahraini police “would respond with live” ammunition in case of “track incursions.”

“The police will have all the options you would expect.”

The former UK police officer made the remarks as Bahraini anti-regime demonstrators condemn the Formula One race, which is scheduled to be held despite the regime’s ongoing crackdown on protests.

On April 15, the “Revolution of February 14” youth group called for “three days of rage” from April 20 to 22 to protest against the decision to hold the auto race.

Meanwhile, witnesses said on Wednesday that regime forces fired stun grenades to disperse demonstrators outside a cultural exhibition for Bahrain’s Formula One race. The protesters were calling on the Formula One’s governing body FIA to cancel the sporting event.

The controversial auto race is scheduled to be held at a time when Manama regime forces continue the violent suppression of peaceful protests.

Bahraini activists announced on April 14 that Mohammed Radhi died in hospital a few days after Saudi-backed security forces ran him over outside Manama.

Radhi was the eighth victim of brutality exercised by Bahraini police since March 17, 2012. Seven other Bahrainis have also been killed due to inhalation of poisonous tear gas ever since.

Anti-regime demonstrators hold the US-sponsored King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa responsible for the death of protesters during the popular uprising that began in the Persian Gulf state in February 2011.

HSN/MFB/MA

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