PETITION: URGE THE CITY OF PHOENIX TO SUSPEND BUSINESS WITH BAHRAIN UNTIL BAHRAINI HUMAN RIGHTS ARE PROTECTED

Human Rights Watch reported that Bahraini King Hamad Al-Khalifa has ordered attacks on peaceful pro-democracy protesters at Manama’s Pearl Roundabout. As of February 22, over seven protesters had died from these attacks and hundreds had been hospitalized from injuries.

The City of Phoenix has signed a memorandum of understanding to create a five-year business agreement with the government of Bahrain. Despite these human right abuses, Mayor Gordon has stated that “Once the situation [in Bahrain] sorts itself out, then we’ll see where the economic opportunities stand.” (AZ Central, 2/18/2011)  However, we strongly urge the City of Phoenix to suspend all business with Bahrain until the Bahraini government fully protects human rights.