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 from September, 2021
In Turkey, a citizen sentenced to prison for insulting the president
Since getting elected as president in 2014, some "100,000 people have been accused of defaming the president," based on Article 299 of the Penal Code in Turkey.
Turkish students protest as rent prices skyrocket
In an effort to solve this crisis, a group of students launched the Movement of the Unsheltered, demanding lower housing and rent prices.
In Turkey, environmentalists struggle to preserve the city's remaining green spaces
Since 2014 the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has been fighting to open the grove to development projects, much to the ire of community environmentalists.
In Turkey, first large anti-vaccine rally gets green light from the local government
The rally that took place at one of Istanbul neighborhoods, was approved by Istanbul Governor Office and was attended by well known vaccine opponents.
In Georgia, a taxi service for women by women
A new taxi service in Georgia, called TaxiWoman is promising safe journeys as it will serve only women, with women drivers behind the wheel.
Team Azerbaijan returns from Paralympics with 19 gold medals
Team Azerbaijan, secured a total of 19 medals, including 14 gold, 1 silver, and 4 bronze.
In Turkey, religious cleric joins calls to censor social media
Ali Erbas, the head of the Religious Affairs Directorate in Turkey suggests using Islamic jurisprudence to control social media platforms.
In Azerbaijan silence looms as yet another member of LGBTQ+ community is fatally targeted
The story of a young trans woman killed in August stirs new discussions about homophobia, the lack of protective measures for the LGBTQ+ community, and governmnet's failure to take action.
Azerbaijan extends special quarantine regime
As of September 1, all citizens over the age of 18 will have to provide proof of vaccination when entering indoor spaces, including restaurants, cafes, and shopping malls.
Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party turns 20
Two decades into AK Party rule, its popularity is dwindling and its ties with western governments have deteriorated significantly as the country is facing an economic and democratic precipice.
Turkey's struggle against natural disasters: wildfires, drought, floods, and a possible earthquake
In light of recent natural disasters and weak governmental response, many wonder whether the government is prepared to handle its worst disaster yet — a possible earthquake in Istanbul.
