Tell the Bahraini King: Kansas City Wants Its Freedom Medal Back! 1SEP11

THE world hasn't forgotten the nonviolent struggle for freedom, democracy and human right by the people of Bahrain, or the brutality of the Bahraini government, along with troops from Saudi Arabia, in violently repressing them. Please join HRF in asking the mayor of Kansas City to revoke the Medal of Freedom that was given to king hamad bin isa al khalifa and ask him to denounce the king and his government for their continuing violence and repression against their own people.

Send the Medal Back! Nearly four decades ago, Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa was awarded the Freedom Medal of Kansas City, Missouri from the Mayor and its residents. The Bahrain Government's PR machine is using this and other awards he has received from various parts of the world as "evidence" of the King's international credentials and appeal. Ask Kansas City Mayor Sylvester James to make clear that Kansas City does not stand with the Bahraini King's appalling human rights record by taking back his Freedom Medal! King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has overseen a series of brutal measures since March against the pro-democracy advocates in Bahrain – hundreds have been detained, at least four people have died in custody, and there have been widespread reports of torture. In addition, dozens of doctors and nurses have been harshly punished—including by detention and torture—for treating injured protesters. Bahraini embassies have been claiming that the King is an internationally respected figure by using awards and medals from places like Kansas City. Does Kansas City really want to be associated with the violent crackdown on democracy advocates over the last few months in Bahrain? Urge Kansas City Mayor Sylvester James to denounce the Bahraini King's human rights abuses by taking back his Freedom Medal of Kansas City. It's time for Kansas City to unfriend the King of Bahrain. Add your voice! Sincerely, Brian Dooley Director, Human Rights Defenders Human Rights First, 333 Seventh Avenue, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10001-5004 www.humanrightsfirst.org Join us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter