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Bahrain to step up security
25/03/2004 14:19 - (SA)
Manama - Bahrain's government is stepping up security in preparation for the Middle East's first Formula One Grand Prix on April 4.
Police have been increasing their street patrols in Bahrain, where schoolboys rioted outside the US Embassy on Wednesday and religious fanatics trashed an alcohol-serving French restaurant last week.
"All eyes are on Bahrain and the authorities are not sparing any efforts on the security of the event or the country," a spokesperson for the newly built track said on Wednesday, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Authorities will watching events such as Wednesday's riot outside the US Embassy in Manama, where more than 200 schoolboys pelted the walls with stones, shouting "Death to America and Israel!"
Police dispersed them with batons and tear gas.
The rioters were protesting Israel's assassination of Sheik Ahmed Yassin, the spiritual leader of the militant Palestinian group Hamas. While Washington has denied any involvement, many people in the Middle East accuse the United States of failing to curb Israel's actions against the Palestinians while supporting the Jewish state financially and militarily.
On March 17, some 100 Shi'ite Muslim fanatics stormed into a French restaurant in Manama and threatened its customers with knives and gardening tools. They objected to the sale of alcohol, which is prohibited by Islam.
Outside the restaurant, the fanatics wrecked 10 cars, two of which burst into flames after being hit by petrol bombs. The police arrived and arrested some of the zealots. The remainder fled.
$150 million track
"The Grand Prix is just around the corner," said the restaurant's owner, Jahanshah Bakhtiar, referring to $150 million track, "these things generate bad publicity."
Bakhtiar said he was expecting a lot of business during the Grand Prix.
"I am confident the authorities will do everything to stop these incidents from recurring," he added.
Although an Islamic state, Bahrain is more socially relaxed than its neighbours. Women can swim and sunbathe at hotels, and liquor is sold at bars, nightclubs and stores. But there is growing opposition to such liberties from conservative Islamists.
The track's managers regularly consult the Interior and Defence ministries about possible terrorist threats.
Michael Schumacher, the reigning F1 world champion, feels that the Grand Prix series should not change its schedule because of the fear of terror attacks.
"If you look at history, how many times and where attacks have taken place, it can be any time, any place," Schumacher said. "I am quite sure Bahrain will be one of the safest places, because the safety measures will be very high."
Edited by Schalk Jonker
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Cricket
