Bahrainis protest ... but Formula 1 still prefers to keep the blinders on ...

and race for the Muslim bribes in garlands of gold and pots of cash. 

...The protesters - from the majority Shi'ite community - assembled in the Budaiya area near Manama. They say they feel sidelined by a Sunni-controlled ruling elite.

Hundreds of demonstrators broke away from Friday's march and made their way towards the main highway in the direction of Pearl Roundabout, the initial focus of Bahrain's protest movement when the uprising first began in February 2011.....

....Mr Al-Binali was also asked about allegations that there had been 100 arrests and 50 people injured in the last week. He said: "The right to protest is guaranteed in the constitution. Nobody in Bahrain will be arrested simply for protesting.

"However, I'm sure you've seen the footage of what some might call protesters assaulting police officers with Molotov cocktails .... I'm sure you'd agree that the most liberal of western democracies would draw the line at the violent assault of policemen."

Protesters said they felt the grand prix was ill-timed but speaking to the media, Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman said: "I think cancelling the race just empowers extremists....