MANAMA, Bahrain, April 22 (UPI) -- Security officials in Bahrain were praised for their role in ensuring last week's Formula One race was run peacefully, Bahraini lawmakers said.
Members of Bahrain's Shura Council and House of Representatives praised security officials and citizens for a safe race.
"(They) contributed to the success of this year's Bahrain Grand Prix Formula One Championship and also praised the role and allegiance of security men on duty who provided stable atmospheres for the guests of the Kingdom of Bahrain," the official Bahrain News Agency stated.
BNA said some lawmakers were frustrated that foreign media outlets "deliberately" focused on protests instead of the race.
Security forces kept anti-government protesters at bay during the weekend, al-Jazeera reports.
The 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix was canceled amid political unrest. More than 30 people died in violence tied to a Shiite-led uprising against the Sunni-led monarchy.
Protesters threw gasoline bombs at the race team from India last year.
Last week, the International Automotive Federation and Formula 1 Management issued a statement saying the race would be "a force for good." Sebastian Vettel won the race Sunday.
Bahrain has been criticized for taking a heavy hand with its opponents. The government said it's committed to reforms recommended by a panel probing the response to the 2011 uprising.
