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
Istanbul's Uyghur community protest outside the Chinese Consulate despite the cost of reprisals
Today's demonstration comes at a great risk amid fears of retribution for the members of the Uyghur community living in Turkey.
President Erdoğan is on a mission to mend ties but at what cost?
Whether its Ankara's ties with Washington DC and the EU, or Turkey's role in Ukraine war, President Erdoğan is seemingly turning "these separate developments into his favor."
A viral video of a dog abused at a shelter reveals a polarized Turkey
Animal rights activists say this was not an isolated case, which sparked public outcry over the poor state of shelters and the mistreatment of animals.
In Turkey, social media platforms become complicit in censoring media and freedom of speech
Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook have become complicit in aiding the state to silence independent voices in Turkey, even at times when content is not political.
Turkey marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence against women with disturbing femicide numbers
The number of femicides remain high, while existing protective measures lack effectiveness.
In Turkey, a football federation joins a list of institutions with powers to censor content online
Granting a football federation rights to censor content in the absence of a court order is yet another sign of a narrowing environment for freedoms.
International money transfer routes are evaporating for Russians
There are fewer and fewer ways of continuing using global financial services for Russians, both at home and abroad, and the ordinary people are those who take the hardest hit.
Anti-war Russians find a new home in Turkey
It is not entirely clear how many Russians have arrived thus far to Turkey since Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
Turkey throttles internet access following deadly explosion in Istanbul
"Those who impose a broadcast ban, supposedly so that the public does not panic, are scaring everyone more by suppressing all the media."
Tensions between Azerbaijan and Iran peak again
Azerbaijan and Iran have been saber-rattling and exchanging hostile rhetoric in weeks of heightened tensions.
Dolma Diaries attempts to break down stereotypes and enmity, one episode at a time
Dolma Diaries is a short web series produced by a team from Germany, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia.
Azerbaijan’s thriving feminist movement: challenges and perspectives
In Azerbaijan, feminist activists endure pressure from the authorities, harassment and hate from strangers as they stand up for countless women across the country protesting domestic violence and femicide.
Armenia is rocked by the suicide of a gay couple
In Armenia, a suicide of a gay couple on October 20 sparked a wave of criticism against existing and widespread homophobia in the country.
Police detains scores of activists at an opposition party rally in Azerbaijan
According to local media reports, police started rounding up members of the party and other attendees hours ahead of the scheduled rally.
Turkish lawmakers ratify new disinformation bill
Aimed to combat fake news and disinformation, the 40-article legislation passed by Turkey's parliament, is a threat to freedom of speech say critics of the bill.
Armenia and Azerbaijan recognize each other's territorial integrity
The peace talks were mediated by the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and French president Emanuel Macron.
Russians fleeing Putin’s war face long border queues, overpriced flights, fear, and uncertainty
Ticket prices out of Russia are soaring and bordering countries are braced for an influx as an estimated 700,000 young men have left the country since Putin's announcement of mobilization.
Blood and democracy: the fight for animal rights in Azerbaijan
In Azerbaijan, animal rights activists are protesting the culling of strays in the face of legal challenges and police brutality.
Women in Turkey stand in solidarity with women of Iran
In Turkey where women’s rights keep deteriorating, the murder of Mahsa Amini hits close to home. Women from across all walks of life express solidarity with the protests in Iran.
Turkish citizens feel the squeeze of increased EU visa rejections
Veteran journalist Ruşen Çakır, joined a long list of Turkish nationals who have had their Schengen visa applications denied in recent months.
In Azerbaijan, police detain peace activist ahead of International Day of Peace
According to police records, Mammadli was arrested on the grounds of resisting police, an accusation common among punitive measures used in Azerbaijan to target political and civic activists.
