Many think it’s an unethical job, but does someone have to do it?

London-based Ruder Finn is taking heat for accepting a contract to help repair the reputation of the Maldives throughout the U.K. and United States. The Maldives is in political turmoil following a political coup.

From The Independent:

In the weeks since the change of power, Amnesty International has denounced violence by the security forces against peaceful protesters. In March at least six protesters were injured, some seriously, when police and military officers attacked around 300 MDP protesters in the capital, Malé.

Ruder Finn has said its relationship with the Maldivian government moving forward depends on the investigation from the country’s Commission of National Inquiry (CNI). But that organization has taken criticism from nations such as Australia and Canada for its lack of impartiality.

Last month, Emmanuel Tchividjian, Ruder Finn senior vice president and ethics officer, told The Holmes Report that he would retire if the CNI investigation found that the current regime took power illegally.

Ruder Finn is certainly not the first public relations firm to face criticism for trying to whitewash accusations of human rights violations. Qorvis Communications took on public relations work for Bahrain last year despite widespread reports of violent crackdowns on Shia protests.

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