© LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd
A man serving a prison sentence in Bahrain wrote a letter to Lewis Hamilton and said that “inmates began to write or draw ‘Sir 44’ or ‘Lewis 44’ on their clothes”.
The Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy has shared with the Guardian a letter that a Bahrain prisoner Ali Alhajee wrote to Lewis Hamilton.
In the letter Alhajee writes that Lewis has changed the way ‘political prisoners and prisoners of conscience’ in Bahrain’s Jau prison feel about Formula 1, which they previously boycotted due to its perceived history of ‘sportswashing’.
“Your genuine concern about these cases has changed the way prisoners think of this sport,” Alhajee wrote.
“To us, you are our champ, not only the best in driving but also a human being who cares about the suffering of others.
“To reflect our support to you, a new phenomenon spread in the prison. Inmates began to write or draw ‘Sir 44’ or ‘Lewis 44’ on their clothes, which we would wear in support while watching the race.”
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Alhajee also said he was sentenced to 10 years in prison for organising peaceful protests, and has suffered torture during his interrogation.
“I am a free man despite my handcuffs and the prison walls. The cement walls in this prison did not stop me from exposing the human rights abuses we suffer from within.
“The prisoners view you not only as a world sports champion but as someone who is defending their human rights. I, along with my other cellmates, wish you the very best in your race in Bahrain.
“Please remember that you have supporters in the prison who will follow and cheer you on for all of your races,” Alhajee concluded.
