Arzu Geybulla
@arzugeybulla.bsky.social
Pinned
Arzu Geybulla
@arzugeybulla.bsky.social
· Jan 14
#Azerbaijan ended 2024 and started 2025 with prison sentences:
December 12, 2024 - Ilhamiz Guliyev, arrested in December 2023, sentenced to 3 years;
December 28, 2024 - Teymur Karimov, arrested in December 2023, sentenced to 8 years;+
December 12, 2024 - Ilhamiz Guliyev, arrested in December 2023, sentenced to 3 years;
December 28, 2024 - Teymur Karimov, arrested in December 2023, sentenced to 8 years;+
This was such a delight to edit and work on. Our latest story for @globalvoices.org "Queer cinema in Azerbaijan tells stories of visibility and survival" globalvoices.org/2025/12/04/q... Kudos to the author for putting this piece together.
Queer cinema in Azerbaijan tells stories of visibility and survival
These films transform personal struggles into collective narratives, illustrating how survival, memory, and the quest for belonging are intertwined with the creation of queer cinematic histories.
globalvoices.org
December 4, 2025 at 7:31 AM
This was such a delight to edit and work on. Our latest story for @globalvoices.org "Queer cinema in Azerbaijan tells stories of visibility and survival" globalvoices.org/2025/12/04/q... Kudos to the author for putting this piece together.
With a slight delay. My latest on Istanbul mayor's indictment for @globalvoices.org "The sentence demanded in the case of jailed Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu is 2,430 years" globalvoices.org/2025/12/03/t...
The sentence demanded in the case of jailed Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu is 2,430 years
The opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), which İmamoğlu represents, has condemned the case as politically driven — arguing the timing and scope are aimed at sidelining a major political opponen...
globalvoices.org
December 4, 2025 at 6:19 AM
With a slight delay. My latest on Istanbul mayor's indictment for @globalvoices.org "The sentence demanded in the case of jailed Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu is 2,430 years" globalvoices.org/2025/12/03/t...
My latest: “Ultimately, as long as the same government that calls for dialogue also decides who can speak, gestures of openness should be viewed with cautious skepticism.” www.balcanicaucaso.org/cp_article/a...
Armenia e Azerbaijian, dialogo o performance? - Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa
Armenia e Azerbaijan, dopo la seconda guerra per il Nagorno Karabakh, sembrano sempre più vicini ad un processo di normalizzazione dei rapporti. Analisti e attivisti dei due paesi però non sono del tu...
www.balcanicaucaso.org
December 1, 2025 at 11:26 AM
My latest: “Ultimately, as long as the same government that calls for dialogue also decides who can speak, gestures of openness should be viewed with cautious skepticism.” www.balcanicaucaso.org/cp_article/a...
Azerbaijan Escalates Crackdown on Exiled Critics
www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
Azerbaijan Escalates Crackdown on Exiled Critics
Azerbaijani authorities are escalating their campaign against independent and critical voices abroad, issuing arrest warrants and summonses for exiled journalists, activists, and analysts on what appe...
www.hrw.org
November 26, 2025 at 10:08 PM
Azerbaijan Escalates Crackdown on Exiled Critics
www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
Reposted by Arzu Geybulla
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has named Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili as ‘press freedom predators’ for their roles in repressing press freedom in their countries.
oc-media.org/ivanishvili-...
oc-media.org/ivanishvili-...
Ivanishvili and Aliyev named ‘press freedom predators’ by RSF
The two were included in a list of 34 other freedom predators by the organisation.
oc-media.org
November 3, 2025 at 11:58 AM
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has named Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili as ‘press freedom predators’ for their roles in repressing press freedom in their countries.
oc-media.org/ivanishvili-...
oc-media.org/ivanishvili-...
Is Turkey a state of law? Critics highlight long-standing patterns of politicization and lack of institutional insulation from executive power - my latest for @globalvoices.org globalvoices.org/2025/11/02/i...
Is Turkey a state of law?
If the Minguzzi case shines a light on general institutional frailty, the prosecutions of prominent figures in the opposition CHP demonstrate how legal tools are being marshalled for political ends..
globalvoices.org
November 3, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Is Turkey a state of law? Critics highlight long-standing patterns of politicization and lack of institutional insulation from executive power - my latest for @globalvoices.org globalvoices.org/2025/11/02/i...
Wrote a little something about what happened to the “éminence grise” for @balcanicaucaso.org
#Azerbaijan: when the mighty fall out of favor
www.balcanicaucaso.org/eng/Areas/Az...
#Azerbaijan: when the mighty fall out of favor
www.balcanicaucaso.org/eng/Areas/Az...
Azerbaijan: when the mighty fall out of favor
Once enjoying extensive powers and considered Azerbaijan's eminence grise, Ramiz Mehdiyev has recently fallen out of favor, accused of plotting a coup and placed under house arrest. A case in point of...
www.balcanicaucaso.org
October 29, 2025 at 8:49 AM
Wrote a little something about what happened to the “éminence grise” for @balcanicaucaso.org
#Azerbaijan: when the mighty fall out of favor
www.balcanicaucaso.org/eng/Areas/Az...
#Azerbaijan: when the mighty fall out of favor
www.balcanicaucaso.org/eng/Areas/Az...
Protests in Georgia amid municipal elections met with arrests, heavy police intervention globalvoices.org/2025/10/11/pro… for @globalvoices.org with photos by @ocmedia.bsky.social’s @mariamnikuradze.bsky.social 🙏🏼
https://globalvoices.org/2025/10/11/pro…
October 12, 2025 at 9:22 AM
Protests in Georgia amid municipal elections met with arrests, heavy police intervention globalvoices.org/2025/10/11/pro… for @globalvoices.org with photos by @ocmedia.bsky.social’s @mariamnikuradze.bsky.social 🙏🏼
Reposted by Arzu Geybulla
#Turkey 🇹🇷 The broadcast regulator has recently gone after streaming platforms, issuing fines for films it claims "promote homosexuality" and "disregard family values". @arzugeybulla.bsky.social reports for @globalvoices.org: buff.ly/0WGOR00
October 2, 2025 at 11:02 AM
#Turkey 🇹🇷 The broadcast regulator has recently gone after streaming platforms, issuing fines for films it claims "promote homosexuality" and "disregard family values". @arzugeybulla.bsky.social reports for @globalvoices.org: buff.ly/0WGOR00
What happens when you lock up independent journalists behind bars on bogus charges? Well, they continue reporting even from behind bars.
My latest for @balcanicaucaso.org on corruption, rights violations and other shenanigans inside Azerbaijani prisons
www.balcanicaucaso.org/eng/Areas/Az...
My latest for @balcanicaucaso.org on corruption, rights violations and other shenanigans inside Azerbaijani prisons
www.balcanicaucaso.org/eng/Areas/Az...
Jailed journalists turn the spotlight on Azerbaijan’s prisons
Since November 2023, around thirty journalists have been arrested in Azerbaijan. From behind bars, these journalists have revealed the appalling conditions of the prison system, something previously i...
www.balcanicaucaso.org
October 1, 2025 at 7:38 AM
What happens when you lock up independent journalists behind bars on bogus charges? Well, they continue reporting even from behind bars.
My latest for @balcanicaucaso.org on corruption, rights violations and other shenanigans inside Azerbaijani prisons
www.balcanicaucaso.org/eng/Areas/Az...
My latest for @balcanicaucaso.org on corruption, rights violations and other shenanigans inside Azerbaijani prisons
www.balcanicaucaso.org/eng/Areas/Az...
It's been a busy month for the authorities in #Azerbaijan, as they continue to keep things "in order" and "contained."
Read more in this month's newsletter from Free Voices Collective freevoicescollective.org/families-imp...
Read more in this month's newsletter from Free Voices Collective freevoicescollective.org/families-imp...
Families of Imprisoned Journalists Face Rights Violations - FVC
Families of imprisoned journalists face travel bans, job dismissals, and harassment. Abzas Media journalists were relocated without notice.
freevoicescollective.org
September 30, 2025 at 11:22 AM
It's been a busy month for the authorities in #Azerbaijan, as they continue to keep things "in order" and "contained."
Read more in this month's newsletter from Free Voices Collective freevoicescollective.org/families-imp...
Read more in this month's newsletter from Free Voices Collective freevoicescollective.org/families-imp...
Watch out! Authorities in Turkey are on the lookout for obscenity
globalvoices.org/2025/09/24/w...
latest for @globalvoices.org
globalvoices.org/2025/09/24/w...
latest for @globalvoices.org
Watch out! Authorities in Turkey are on the lookout for obscenity
This is the not the first time RTÜK has fined streaming platforms. Netflix, Prime, Disney+, Mubi, Bein, and BluTV were previously fined for allegedly promoting homosexuality and undermining moral valu...
globalvoices.org
September 25, 2025 at 10:57 AM
Watch out! Authorities in Turkey are on the lookout for obscenity
globalvoices.org/2025/09/24/w...
latest for @globalvoices.org
globalvoices.org/2025/09/24/w...
latest for @globalvoices.org
The CHP's leadership has dismissed the ruling as null and void, even as it faces another court hearing, scheduled for September 15, which revolves around a “mutlak butlan” - explainer globalvoices.org/2025/09/14/e...
Explainer: Turkey's main opposition party faces state-appointed trustee
Should the court rule that violations did indeed happen, it would nullify all decisions taken by the party's current leadership since the congress.
globalvoices.org
September 14, 2025 at 5:49 AM
The CHP's leadership has dismissed the ruling as null and void, even as it faces another court hearing, scheduled for September 15, which revolves around a “mutlak butlan” - explainer globalvoices.org/2025/09/14/e...
With all that is happening in Turkey this is already an old story but nevertheless thought I share anyway: globalvoices.org/2025/09/07/w...
Wave of harassment and abuse allegations roils Turkey’s arts and culture scene
Among the men are photographers, musicians, actors, comedians, critics, and publishers. In response, several platforms and collaborators have cut ties with accused individuals.
globalvoices.org
September 8, 2025 at 11:35 AM
With all that is happening in Turkey this is already an old story but nevertheless thought I share anyway: globalvoices.org/2025/09/07/w...
12th person to face arrest as part of the so called investigation into independent Meydan Tv case. On August 28 authorities arrested photo journalist Ahmad Mukhtar. He is facing the same charges as the rest of journalists arrested as part of the case.
August 28, 2025 at 3:40 PM
12th person to face arrest as part of the so called investigation into independent Meydan Tv case. On August 28 authorities arrested photo journalist Ahmad Mukhtar. He is facing the same charges as the rest of journalists arrested as part of the case.
An Azerbaijani student is facing deportation in Turkey after participating in protests against rising university cafeteria prices. medyascope.tv/2025/08/25/n...
Üniversite öğrencisi Nana, hayati tehlikesi bulunduğu Azerbaycan’a geri gönderilmeye çalışılıyor - Medyascope
İstanbul Üniversitesi öğrencisi Nanaxanim Babazade, okulda zam protestolarına katıldığı için hakkında sınır dışı kararı verildi.
medyascope.tv
August 28, 2025 at 8:01 AM
An Azerbaijani student is facing deportation in Turkey after participating in protests against rising university cafeteria prices. medyascope.tv/2025/08/25/n...
“Flood them with fans”: @rsf.org launches solidarity campaign together with exiled Azerbaijani organizations for imprisoned Azerbaijani journalist Sevinj Vagifgizi and other reporters rsf.org/en/flood-the...
“Flood them with fans”: RSF launches solidarity campaign together with exiled Azerbaijani organizations for imprisoned Azerbaijani journalist Sevinj Vagifgizi and other reporters
In light of the ongoing repression of independent media in Azerbaijan, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Azerbaijani organizations in exile Free Voices Collective, Meydan TV, Toplum TV and Qazetci a...
rsf.org
August 21, 2025 at 12:29 PM
“Flood them with fans”: @rsf.org launches solidarity campaign together with exiled Azerbaijani organizations for imprisoned Azerbaijani journalist Sevinj Vagifgizi and other reporters rsf.org/en/flood-the...
My latest: “This is the paradox of White House-brokered peace: leaders shake hands abroad, while at home, those who practice reconciliation are criminalized.” For @balcanicaucaso.org www.balcanicaucaso.org/eng/Areas/Az...
Handshake in Washington, handcuffs in Baku
Trump's recent meeting with the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia, Aliyev and Pashinyan, in Washington raises hopes for a peace agreement. However, there's a paradox: while leaders shake hands abroad,...
www.balcanicaucaso.org
August 20, 2025 at 12:02 PM
My latest: “This is the paradox of White House-brokered peace: leaders shake hands abroad, while at home, those who practice reconciliation are criminalized.” For @balcanicaucaso.org www.balcanicaucaso.org/eng/Areas/Az...
Reposted by Arzu Geybulla
“Governments, journalists, academics, and institutions who pretend they don’t see the rot. Or worse, who see it and stay silent because there's gas, trade, and diplomatic optics at stake.”
Read @arzugeybulla.bsky.social's statement from the @pace.coe.int Summer Session in full here: bit.ly/44SzPBI
Read @arzugeybulla.bsky.social's statement from the @pace.coe.int Summer Session in full here: bit.ly/44SzPBI
August 14, 2025 at 9:41 AM
“Governments, journalists, academics, and institutions who pretend they don’t see the rot. Or worse, who see it and stay silent because there's gas, trade, and diplomatic optics at stake.”
Read @arzugeybulla.bsky.social's statement from the @pace.coe.int Summer Session in full here: bit.ly/44SzPBI
Read @arzugeybulla.bsky.social's statement from the @pace.coe.int Summer Session in full here: bit.ly/44SzPBI
My latest for @globalvoices.org On paper, the deal reads like a straightforward real estate transaction globalvoices.org/2025/08/15/t...
The Aliyevs’ Turkish retreat: luxury real estate investment in the shadow of corruption
From Moscow to London to the French Riviera, the Aliyev family demonstrates a consistent pattern: converting opaque, hydrocarbon-derived wealth into high-prestige, low-scrutiny assets abroad.
globalvoices.org
August 15, 2025 at 9:21 AM
My latest for @globalvoices.org On paper, the deal reads like a straightforward real estate transaction globalvoices.org/2025/08/15/t...
Reposted by Arzu Geybulla
FMA condemns the killing last night of five Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza by the Israeli military and stands in solidarity with our Palestinian colleagues, at least 178 of whom have been killed by Israel since the conflict began. Journalists are #NotATarget.
An entire news crew working for Al Jazeera was killed by Israel as they sought to bring the world firsthand reporting from #Gaza.
Among them was prominent journalist Anas Al-Sharif, who had been previously smeared and threatened by the IDF.
#NotATarget
Full statement: cpj.org/2025/08/isra...
Among them was prominent journalist Anas Al-Sharif, who had been previously smeared and threatened by the IDF.
#NotATarget
Full statement: cpj.org/2025/08/isra...
Israel kills Al Jazeera journalists in targeted Gaza City airstrike - Committee to Protect Journalists
New York, August 10, 2025—The Committee to Protect Journalists is appalled to learn of the killing today of Al Jazeera journalist Anas Al-Sharif, Mohammed Qreiqeh, camera operators Ibrahim Zaher and M...
cpj.org
August 11, 2025 at 1:12 PM
FMA condemns the killing last night of five Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza by the Israeli military and stands in solidarity with our Palestinian colleagues, at least 178 of whom have been killed by Israel since the conflict began. Journalists are #NotATarget.
Reposted by Arzu Geybulla
An entire news crew working for Al Jazeera was killed by Israel as they sought to bring the world firsthand reporting from #Gaza.
Among them was prominent journalist Anas Al-Sharif, who had been previously smeared and threatened by the IDF.
#NotATarget
Full statement: cpj.org/2025/08/isra...
Among them was prominent journalist Anas Al-Sharif, who had been previously smeared and threatened by the IDF.
#NotATarget
Full statement: cpj.org/2025/08/isra...
Israel kills Al Jazeera journalists in targeted Gaza City airstrike - Committee to Protect Journalists
New York, August 10, 2025—The Committee to Protect Journalists is appalled to learn of the killing today of Al Jazeera journalist Anas Al-Sharif, Mohammed Qreiqeh, camera operators Ibrahim Zaher and M...
cpj.org
August 11, 2025 at 1:27 AM
An entire news crew working for Al Jazeera was killed by Israel as they sought to bring the world firsthand reporting from #Gaza.
Among them was prominent journalist Anas Al-Sharif, who had been previously smeared and threatened by the IDF.
#NotATarget
Full statement: cpj.org/2025/08/isra...
Among them was prominent journalist Anas Al-Sharif, who had been previously smeared and threatened by the IDF.
#NotATarget
Full statement: cpj.org/2025/08/isra...
Trump Should Raise Rights Issues with Azerbaijan Leader www.hrw.org/news/2025/08... my latest dispatc for @hrw.org
Trump Should Raise Rights Issues with Azerbaijan Leader
US President Donald Trump is set to host Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the White House on August 8 to sign a memorandum of understanding that could ...
www.hrw.org
August 7, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Trump Should Raise Rights Issues with Azerbaijan Leader www.hrw.org/news/2025/08... my latest dispatc for @hrw.org
At its recent launch, Next Sosyal was touted as the country's first “domestic social media application,” offering users a new generation of social media free from ads and harassment. But how “local and national” was it?! I break it down for @globalvoices.org #Turkey globalvoices.org/2025/08/01/t...
The ‘Next’ big thing? Turkey's new social platform faces scrutiny over ‘domestic’ label
The platform was described as the country's first “domestic social media application,” offering users a new generation of social media free from ads and harassment.
globalvoices.org
August 1, 2025 at 7:56 AM
At its recent launch, Next Sosyal was touted as the country's first “domestic social media application,” offering users a new generation of social media free from ads and harassment. But how “local and national” was it?! I break it down for @globalvoices.org #Turkey globalvoices.org/2025/08/01/t...
Türkiye: Turkmen Risking Deportation Reported Missing
www.hrw.org/news/2025/07...
www.hrw.org/news/2025/07...
Türkiye: Turkmen Risking Deportation Reported Missing
Two Turkmen dissident bloggers have been missing since July 24, 2025, when they were reportedly released from a Turkish deportation center, Human Rights Watch said today. Turkish authorities should en...
www.hrw.org
July 31, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Türkiye: Turkmen Risking Deportation Reported Missing
www.hrw.org/news/2025/07...
www.hrw.org/news/2025/07...