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Pursuits

As F1 Returns to Bahrain, An Ex-prisoner Awaits Compensation

Bahraini former political prisoner Najah Yusuf poses for a photograph during an interview with The Associated Press in Manama, Bahrain, Thursday, March 17, 2022. As Formula One begins the new season in Bahrain at a track where a huge contract extension was recently signed, Yusuf still waits for compensation after allegedly being tortured and abused in a Bahrain jail over a social media post demanding justice for those imprisoned for protesting the annual race. (AP Photo)
Bahraini former political prisoner Najah Yusuf poses for a photograph during an interview with The Associated Press in Manama, Bahrain, Thursday, March 17, 2022. As Formula One begins the new season in Bahrain at a track where a huge contract extension was recently signed, Yusuf still waits for compensation after allegedly being tortured and abused in a Bahrain jail over a social media post demanding justice for those imprisoned for protesting the annual race. (AP Photo)
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS (JEROME PUGMIRE)

Manama, Bahrain (AP) -- As Formula One begins the new season in Bahrain at a track where a huge contract extension was recently signed, former political prisoner Najah Yusuf still waits for compensation after allegedly being tortured and abused in a Bahrain jail over a social media post criticizing the annual race.

Bahrain has hosted F1 since 2004 and the eagerly-awaited season opener is on Sunday. Bahrain has been accused of exploiting the series to “sportswash” its human rights record, by using a high-profile event to project a favorable image. The new contract with F1 is until 2036.