Formula 1 urged to reconsider suitability of Azerbaijan Grand Prix over Baku's 'criminal policies'

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 13, ARMENPRESS. The Geghard Scientific Analytical Foundation has called on Formula 1 organizers to reconsider the suitability of holding the motorsport championship in Azerbaijan due to the country's 'criminal policies'. 

The Geghard Foundation issued the following statement on Friday:

“One of the races of the most prestigious motorsport championship, Formula 1, will take place in Baku on September 13-15, 2024. Among other objectives, Azerbaijan is utilizing these sporting events to conceal the criminal policies it is carrying out in the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh and the attacks on the Republic of Armenia in an attempt to deflect the international community's attention from these issues. The country's substantial oil revenues enable it to host expensive events such as the European Games, UEFA European Championship matches, and the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Baku has been investing heavily in organizing international events since 2010, allocating approximately $120 million for this purpose in 2023 alone. Unofficial reports suggest that Baku paid $34 million in 2016 and $57 million in 2023 for the right to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix.

"Back in 2016, the British organization "Sport for Rights" urged Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone to address the issue of the suppression of activists during his meeting with Ilham Aliyev. The organization's representative, Rebecca Vincent, pointed out that Azerbaijan uses major international sporting events to enhance its international reputation.

"Notably, the Formula 1 racetrack is located in the central avenues of Baku. In close proximity to the track lies the notorious ‘Military Trophy Park’, a symbol of animosity and hatred towards Armenia and Armenians. The park exhibits military equipment seized during the 2020 war, as well as the bloodstained helmets of Armenian soldiers and mannequins representing Armenian soldiers. The display of these items has faced severe condemnation from human rights organizations and the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights.

"The 2023 Formula 1 Grand Prix in Baku took place on April 30, a period when Azerbaijan had imposed a blockade on the Armenian population of Artsakh, cutting off essential supplies such as food to 120,000 people. 

"As Baku prepares to host another race, dozens of Armenian prisoners of war remain illegally detained in Azerbaijani prisons.

"The Geghard Foundation urges the organizers of the event to act responsibly and refrain from allowing their reputation to be used as a cover for crimes, oppression, and violence. In this context, the Formula 1 leadership should carefully evaluate the suitability of hosting a race in a country where freedom of speech is severely curtailed and which conducts an aggressive and expansionist policy against the Republic of Armenia."