By Kevin McCauley
Qorvis Communications is handling media for Bahrain, where at least four people were killed and 100 injured today, after riot police broke up a pro-democracy camp at Pearl Square in the capital city of Manama.
Hundreds of police fired shotguns and tear gas at the camp during the early morning hours. Tanks and armored personnel carriers have taken control of the capital.
Miquel Marguez, correspondent for ABC News, was among those hurt. He reports being beaten the thugs with clubs.
Qorvis CEO Michael Petruzzello confirmed via e-mail his firm’s representation of that Middle East tinderbox.
The Washington-based firm began work for Bahrain in August under a subcontract with Britain’s Bell Pottinger. Its mission was to position Bahrain, home of the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, as a key ally in the war on terror and forceful advocate for peace in the Middle East.
Pitches were thrown at top media outlets including the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Associated Press and Los Angeles Times.
Qorvis staffers working the account are Matt Lauer, former executive director of the U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy at the State Dept.; Seth Pietras; Nicole Silverman and Art Swift.
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