Bahraini protests last week over the death of a teen protester.

Salon reports that Joe Trippi, PR adviser to Howard Dean during his presidential run, and Sanitas International, a D.C.-based public affairs firm, are doing reputation work for the government of Bahrain.

Salon previously reported on the work Qorvis is doing with the government of Bahrain, with Qorvis partner Matt Lauer later telling PRNewser that the work is highlighting reforms currently underway.

Trippi says he has a vast experience in the region and calls Bahrain “one of the progressive countries in the Middle Eastern Gulf.”

Unrest began in February, followed by many arrests and allegations of torture. Protests have continued in Bahrain, with people taking to the streets over the death of a 14-year-old demonstrator last week. And medical professionals arrested when protests began earlier this year have gone on a hunger strike in further protest. Financial Times reports that King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa has made some concessions, but those in opposition say it’s not enough.