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Formula One accused of ignoring human rights abuse in Bahrain by humanitarian groups

Ahead of this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix, Formula One has been accused of ignoring human rights abuses in the country and having a "clear double standard" about where it decides it should and should not host races.

The Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy (Bird) said F1 has "abandoned those who have been tortured and imprisoned" in the country in part due to criticism of the race, which kicks off the F1 season on March 20.

Bahrain's race recently signed a huge 15-year extension to continue hosting until 2036, which has prompted various human rights groups to write a letter to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, the Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA), the sport's ten teams, and its governing body, the FIA.