Global Voices Online

AdnanEmin's Blog, Prison Diary, a new blog from Azerbaijan, has been set up to republish letters sent from prison in the oil-rich former Soviet republic by Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli, two detained video blogging youth activists sentenced last week and considered by Amnesty International to be prisoners of conscience. The first post carries a message from Milli after his sentence.

Sheki, Azerbaijan makes two posts on specific traditions practiced in her home country. In the first post, the blog explains how the shoes of visitors to homes are paired outside the front door, and in the second it looks at pickling white cucumbers.

Sheki, Azerbaijan comments on Azerbaijan's recent victory in the European Team Chess Championship. The blog says that it is proud of the achievement and hopes for more victories.

Emotions on Air, Mind Mute ponders societal expectations that women remain virgins until they marry. Although based in Azerbaijan, the blog notes the same value system throughout the entire Caucasus and speaks out about such patriarchal concepts and practices.

Following yet another postponement in the trial of detained video blogging youth activists Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli, In Mutatione Fortitudo offers its opinion on the case so far. The blog says the authorities in Azerbaijan face a dilemma. If the two detainees are imprisoned it will result in significant international outcry. However, if the two are released, it will represent a dangerous precedent for the ruling regime.

Writing on Flying Carpets and Broken Pipelines on the eve of their next court hearing, Arzu Geybullayeva says she still hopes that detained video bloggers Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli will be released. She also says that the two online youth activists are an example to others and believes that that the situation in Azerbaijan will improve whatever happens.

With the number of English-language blogs from Azerbaijan increasing, Emotions on Air, Mind Mute sets a precedent for musings and poetry. Often dark and melancholic, the blog shows that new media can also be a medium for other forms of self-expression.

Now based in the U.K., Scary Azeri in Suburbs looks at one custom that both English and Azerbaijanis have in common — drinking tea. The blog says that enjoying the drink is an important tradition for both nations.

Hikmat Hajizade, father of detained video blogger Adnan Hajizade, speaks about his son while the Frontline Club looks at his own past as a successful academic and diplomat.