Formula 1 Must Stop Azerbaijan's Atrocities from 'Sportswashing': Free Armenian Prisoners

The Free Armenian Prisoners movement has sent an open letter to Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of the Formula 1 racing series, urging action against gross violations of human rights in Azerbaijan ahead of the upcoming Grand Prix in Baku.

The letter is signed by prominent British political figures including Lord Alton, Baroness Caroline Cox, and MP Andrew Rosindell, as well as leaders from the British-Armenian community. They demand immediate measures to release Armenian political prisoners who are being unlawfully detained in Azerbaijan.

“They are being held hostage, subjected to inhumane treatment, and denied fair trials. The world watches what is happening; Formula 1 cannot ignore these egregious violations of human rights. Violations that are occurring under the shadow of their event—profit should not come at the expense of human rights,” the letter states.

“Formula 1 must stop the atrocities of regimes like Azerbaijan from being 'sportswashed'. By voicing this injustice and calling for the release of Armenian political prisoners unlawfully held in Azerbaijan, Formula 1 can demonstrate its commitment to the protection of human rights,” the letter emphasizes.