Clashes ahead of Bahrain Formula One
- 11 years ago
(ROUGH CUT ONLY - NO REPORTER NARRATION)
Riot police clashed with anti-government protesters near Manama on Saturday (April 20) as demonstrators blocked roads ahead of the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix on Sunday (April 21).
Police dispersed the crowd by using tear gas and cleared debris and waste bins from the roads of Jidhafs in what was one of only a few minor clashes in Bahrain according to reports.
Less than 30 kilometres (19 miles) away from the clashes, Lotus F1 driver Kimi Raikonnen claimed pole position for Sunday's Grand Prix.
Many in the Shi'ite Muslim-majority state accuse the Sunni-led government of trying to use Sunday's race to paper over human rights abuses and disguise political problems they say still plague the country, a close U.S. ally.
The opposition hopes the spotlight on the kingdom's biggest sporting event will help their struggle gain wider attention.
Bahrain has grappled with unrest since pro-democracy demonstrations broke
Riot police clashed with anti-government protesters near Manama on Saturday (April 20) as demonstrators blocked roads ahead of the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix on Sunday (April 21).
Police dispersed the crowd by using tear gas and cleared debris and waste bins from the roads of Jidhafs in what was one of only a few minor clashes in Bahrain according to reports.
Less than 30 kilometres (19 miles) away from the clashes, Lotus F1 driver Kimi Raikonnen claimed pole position for Sunday's Grand Prix.
Many in the Shi'ite Muslim-majority state accuse the Sunni-led government of trying to use Sunday's race to paper over human rights abuses and disguise political problems they say still plague the country, a close U.S. ally.
The opposition hopes the spotlight on the kingdom's biggest sporting event will help their struggle gain wider attention.
Bahrain has grappled with unrest since pro-democracy demonstrations broke