Clashes as Bahrain Grand Prix goes ahead

Bahrain anti-government activists have clashed with police and blocked roads into the capital, in a bid to disrupt the Formula 1 Grand Prix.

The protesters accuse the government of using the race to gain international recognition and cover up rights abuses.

Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman says a reform process is under way, and denies using Formula 1 for political gain.

Witnesses said access to the Formula 1 event had been largely unaffected by the demonstrations.

The island nation has been convulsed by protests since early 2011, in which dozens of people have died.

The protesters are drawn from the majority Shia population, and they are demanding greater rights from the ruling Sunni royal family.
Source: BBC Posted by Unknown 4/21/2013