According to reports, clashes between protesters and security forces erupted in several areas across Bahrain on April 18 on the eve of Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix. Opposition supporters called for stepping up protests during the race to demand reform and an end to what they say is the economic and political marginalisation of the Shiite community of the country. 1 Meanwhile, the authorities have vowed to take “appropriate” security measures after a series of explosions around the country. There was a blast outside the Bahrain Financial Harbour and was followed by three other explosions on the outskirts of Manama, with the February 14 youth movement claiming responsibility for the attacks. The movement said that it aimed at disrupting “activity in Manama’s financial centre in opposition to holding the Formula One race”, and pledging “more operations”. 2

• 1. “Clashes erupt in Bahrain on eve of F1 race”, The National, April 19, 2013, at http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/middle-east/clashes-erupt-in-bahrai...
• 2. “Explosions hit Bahrain ahead of F1 race”, Gulf News, April 15, 2013, at http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/bahrain/explosions-hit-bahrain-ahead-of-f1...