Train Foundation: Democracy Building in Iran

Emadeddin Baghi is a prominent Iranian rights activist and a renowned journalist. He is the founder of the Committee for the Defense of Prisoners’ Rights in Iran and author of twenty books, six of which have been banned.

In 2000, Baghi was imprisoned in connection with his expose writings on the serial murders of Iranian dissident intellectuals, and served two years. According to his family and lawyers, Baghi has been summoned to court 23 times since his release in 2003. He has also had his passport confiscated, his newspaper closed, and suspended prison sentences passed against his wife and daughter.

EqualShot leveraged global interest in Iran's nuclear capabilities to highlight the work of Emadeddin Baghi when he was awarded the 2004 Civil Courage Prize, including a highly visible op-ed placement in the Washington Post.

When Mr. Baghi was detained by Iranian authorities as he was leaving to accept the award, EqualShot immediately alerted the international media and worked with contacts at the U.S. State Department, which subsequently condemned Iran's actions.

Train Foundation: "Blood Diamonds" in Angola

Diamonds are meant to be a symbol of love and enduring commitment, but for the people living in Angola’s diamond-rich provinces, they are more often associated with grave human rights abuse.

Using the release of the Hollywood film "Blood Diamond" as a hook, EqualShot assisted Angolan activist Rafael Marques in writing an op-ed about the current situation in Angola's Lundas region and placed it prominently in the Washington Post.

EqualShot also managed Rafael’s visit to the United States, arranging high-level meetings with the State Department, the Senate Subcommittee on African Affairs, the Council on Foreign Relations, and Harvard Law School's human rights program.