Arzu Geybullayeva is Azerbaijani columnist and writer, with special focus in digital authoritarianism and its implications on human rights and press freedom in Azerbaijan. Arzu has written for Al Jazeera, Eurasianet, Foreign Policy Democracy Lab, CODA, Open Democracy, Radio Free Europe, and CNN International. She is a regular contributor at IWPR, Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso and Global Voices. In 2019, Arzu launched Azerbaijan Internet Watch, a platform that documents, and monitors information controls in Azerbaijan. Arzu has contributed to GV since May 2010.
Latest posts by Arzu Geybullayeva
Independent media wage losing battle against censorship in Azerbaijan
Since 2017, independent and opposition online news outlets have faced censorship via blocking on spurious grounds.
Azerbaijan speaks of peace while cracking down on Islam
Just last month, scores of religious believers were rounded up across the country. According to rights defenders, over 500 believers have been arrested just in the past year and a half.
In Georgia, a new political alliance looks to the future
The new political alliance was announced at a turbulent time. Since the previous parliamentary election in 2020, Georgian domestic politics have been engulfed in a political crisis.
Will President Erdoğan really stop running in Turkey's elections?
Months after the general elections, with the local elections just weeks away, President Erdoğan's remark about not running again ring hollow.
In Azerbaijan another case of bullying brings old problems to the fore
The most recent case of bullying speaks volumes about the challenges that lie ahead for Azerbaijani society, and how much work is yet to be done.
Little Suad received a letter from her father detained in Azerbaijan
Hasanli was sentenced on November 21, 2023, to four months’ pre-trial detention on a charge of “smuggling foreign currency.” If convicted he is facing a possible eight-year prison sentence.
Anger and grief as Russians in Armenia and Georgia mourn Navalny’s death
At the time of writing this story, at least 387 people have been detained at events across 39 Russian cities since Navalny's death, according to the Russian human rights group OVD-Info.
Turkey's search for gold has a massive humanitarian and environmental impact
There is increasing concern among environmental experts that the land in the area was exposed to cyanide and sulfuric acid used at the mine for the extraction.
Azerbaijan's measure to silence critics: The case of Gubad Ibadoglu
Ibadoglu started a foundation to sponsor Azerbaijani students wanting to study abroad. It was funded by donations and money that was confiscated from Azerbaijani elites in corruption and money laundering cases.
Armenia and Azerbaijan: The most recent flare up puts peace prospects on the backburner
Whether these recent developments further derail prospects for peace depends on steps taken in the coming months. For now, peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan is hanging by a thread.
Presidential election in Azerbaijan show old habits die hard
This election was business as usual in Azerbaijan with manipulation and violations, including carousel voting, ballot stuffing, and aggressive behavior toward independent observers and journalists throughout the day.
The Baku Connection: Journalists across the world unite to support Azerbaijan's Abzas Media
Some 40 journalists from 15 media outlets have joined the project since its launch as Abzas Media team who started the investigations, await trial in Baku.
Azerbaijan: Competition-free vote to settle Aliyev’s grip on power
"Each round of flawed elections was a lost opportunity for Azerbaijan to step away from post-Soviet autocracy towards democracy."
Turkey earthquake : A year on, empty promises, broken lives
According to the Environment and Urbanization Ministry only 46,000 out of promised 300,000 homes have been finalized thus far, leaving many earthquake survivors in temporary shelters, containers and tents.
In Georgia cabinet reshuffling begins after former Prime Minister returns to politics
With eight months left ahead of parliamentary election in Georgia, it remains to be seen what Ivanishvili's intentions truly are.
Turkey's sweet F-16s deal
On January 26, the US approved the sale of 40 new F-16 fighter jets worth USD 23 billion. The deal, also includes, the equipment to modernize 79 existing Turkish F-16s.
Council of Europe members vote to suspend Azerbaijan
The credentials of Azerbaijan's delegation at PACE were challenged on the grounds the country failed to meet "major commitments" as part of its membership to the Council of Europe.
First Turkish astronaut travels into space
At a time when the country is battling the cost of living crisis, high inflation, and depreciating national currency some questioned the government's decision to send Gezeravci into space.
Azerbaijan ‘successfully’ uncovers another spy network
Pundits link the recent diplomatic tensions between Azerbaijan and France to the latter’s support for Armenia.
In Georgia, controversy over a Stalin icon makes headlines at home and abroad
Georgia was thrown into controversy when worshipers found a painting of Saint Matrona of Moscow, a 20th-century Russian Orthodox Church saint, with a man who appears to be Joseph Stalin.
Georgia's infamous former Prime Minister returns to politics
Pundits say, Ivanishvili has been pulling Georgia's political strings from behind the scenes and his appointment as the "honorary chair" of the ruling Georgian Dream party is just temporary.