<![CDATA[Arzu Geybullayeva · Storify]]>http://storify.com/arzugeybullaNodeJS RSS ModuleWed, 22 May 2013 09:00:12 GMT<![CDATA[Caviar diplomacy works!]]>

Today we saw that caviar diplomacy really works and that political prisoners are just... well an unimportant matter for many outsiders

Storified by Arzu Geybullayeva · Wed, Jan 23 2013 12:49:44

I wonder how each of those who voted down the report would have felt were they in the shoes of Azerbaijani political prisoners.
Report On Azerbaijani Prisoners Voted Down In Council Of EuropeReport On Azerbaijani Prisoners Voted Down In Council Of Europe
... well as questions about whether some on the list are in prison. Strasser, who was denied entry into Azerbaijan, has demanded that Bak...
In the meantime, Twitter was the source for most of the statements made for and against the reports on Azerbaijan
but what matters at the end of the day is caviar won this time...
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]]>http://storify.com/arzugeybulla/caviar-diplomacy-workshttp://storify.com/arzugeybulla/caviar-diplomacy-worksWed, 23 Jan 2013 20:49:44 GMT<![CDATA[Internet Governance Forum 2012 (#IGF2012)]]>

Having attended the IGF forum myself during this week I thought I put together few stories from local and international press to cover the event.

Storified by Arzu Geybullayeva · Fri, Nov 09 2012 06:43:15

Of course, it could not be without drama every time there is a conference, event, report published on Azerbaijan that doesn't necessarily give a pat on a shoulder of the country's officials. And this week's IGF was no different.
Baku accuses European Commission VP of poor awareness of Azerbaijani ...Baku accuses European Commission VP of poor awareness of Azerbaijani ...
"Azerbaijan has freedom of the Internet. The programs of Internet radio and Internet television, online newspapers and magazines, in...
To prove whats already is well known about Azerbaijan statistics were provided
&#39;Assumptions that state controls internet in Azerbaijan are absurd&#39;&#39;Assumptions that state controls internet in Azerbaijan are absurd&#39;
“This proves the liberal nature of the Azerbaijani state and also evidences the provision of the population access to Internet, free use ...
Surprised?! You shouldn't be if you follow Azerbaijan closely and aware of government reactions to statements as Nellie Kroes. And so here are some interesting facts about Azerbaijan's situation with regard to freedom of press.
Rights Groups Slam Azerbaijan Over Freedom Of SpeechRights Groups Slam Azerbaijan Over Freedom Of Speech
Human Rights Watch has called on Azerbaijani authorities to mark its hosting of the Internet forum by releasing at least eight imprisoned...
OSCE media freedom representative, in Baku, highlights to authorities need for ...OSCE media freedom representative, in Baku, highlights to authorities need for ...
The Representative also discussed the distribution system, print media advertising and online media freedom, calling upon the authorities...
But the President of Azerbaijan still claims that bloggers act freely in this country.
Thousands of bloggers act freely in Azerbaijan&#39;s internet space - PresidentThousands of bloggers act freely in Azerbaijan&#39;s internet space - President
It is commendable that people in Azerbaijan enjoy freedom of the Internet. Internet Radio and Internet TV programs, electronic newspapers...
And yet not everyone agrees.
Netizen Report: Baku EditionNetizen Report: Baku Edition
From November 6 - 9, the annual UN-sponsored event is bringing together “all the stakeholders” under the same roof to discuss major Inter...
Why is a crucial conference on internet freedom taking place in a dictatorship?Why is a crucial conference on internet freedom taking place in a dictatorship?
By Mike Harris, Head of Advocacy at Index on Censorship. For Azerbaijan&#39;s President Aliyev, the hosting of the Internet Governance Fo...
Its up to you to form your opinion. Just keep in mind that many repressive regimes oppose anti-government statements in many corners of the world and Azerbaijan is no different.
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]]>http://storify.com/arzugeybulla/internet-governance-forum-2012-igf2012http://storify.com/arzugeybulla/internet-governance-forum-2012-igf2012Fri, 09 Nov 2012 14:43:15 GMT<![CDATA[Eurovision 2012- what you see and don't see]]>

Azerbaijan, the host of this year's Eurovision is "lighting" everyone's "fire", well... for the visitors the capital of this oil rich country might be an exciting venue full of color and life. But if you really want to see the actual Azerbaijan look only deeper...

Storified by Arzu Geybullayeva · Fri, Nov 09 2012 06:19:48

Deeper inside, there is another fire lighting everyone- Azerbaijani government silent, persistent, and effective way to silent dissent. But in no way this is how the country's top officials view Azerbaijan and despite all the criticisms are trying very hard to cover up their dirty tricks and measures.
Azeri police hold critics days before Eurovision contestAzeri police hold critics days before Eurovision contest
Baku, under fire over its rights record, dismissed recent accusations by rights groups Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch that ...
Eurovision: the alternative map of BakuEurovision: the alternative map of Baku
38 Shamsi Badalbeyli St - On 11 August 2011 authorities bulldozed, without warning, this building owned by human rights defender Leyla Yu...
Eurovision puts spotlight on human rights in AzerbaijanEurovision puts spotlight on human rights in Azerbaijan
The Eurovision Song Contest will be taking place in Azerbaijan at the end of May. Human rights activists want to use the event to bring i...
Criticism against Azerbaijan has a made-to-order character, Ali Hasanov saysCriticism against Azerbaijan has a made-to-order character, Ali Hasanov says
The statement came from head of the public policy department of the Presidential Administration Ali Hasanov commenting on criticism of so...
Top official: Allegations about pressure on journalists in Azerbaijan unfoundedTop official: Allegations about pressure on journalists in Azerbaijan unfounded
At present, the Law on Mass Media in Azerbaijan fully guarantees freedom of the press, head of the Socio-Political Department of the Pres...
But officials can say all they want, the world that reads and knows, is well aware of the reality on the ground. No one is making anything up, perhaps it is time to realize this and take responsibility for the actions committed unjustly against human rights advocates, journalists and many others innocent citizens of this country. A case in point is this recent report released by the Foreign Policy Center and titled "Spotlight on Azerbaijan".

You can also watch the video below that sums of well the behind-the-scenes-Eurovision 2012.
Hypocrisy (qısa film) · dekoltegroup
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]]>http://storify.com/arzugeybulla/eurovision-2012-what-you-see-and-don-t-see-1http://storify.com/arzugeybulla/eurovision-2012-what-you-see-and-don-t-see-1Fri, 09 Nov 2012 14:19:48 GMT<![CDATA[Eurovision 2012- what you see and don't see]]>

Azerbaijan, the host of this year's Eurovision is "lighting" everyone's "fire", well... for the visitors the capital of this oil rich country might be an exciting venue full of color and life. But if you really want to see the actual Azerbaijan look only deeper...

Storified by Arzu Geybullayeva · Mon, May 21 2012 12:52:55

Deeper inside, there is another fire lighting everyone- Azerbaijani government silent, persistent, and effective way to silent dissent. But in no way this is how the country's top officials view Azerbaijan and despite all the criticisms are trying very hard to cover up their dirty tricks and measures.
Azeri police hold critics days before Eurovision contestAzeri police hold critics days before Eurovision contest
Baku, under fire over its rights record, dismissed recent accusations by rights groups Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch that ...
The story below is a perfect reality check with facts about Baku not reflected in glitzy coverage of Eurovision 2012
Eurovision: the alternative map of BakuEurovision: the alternative map of Baku
38 Shamsi Badalbeyli St - On 11 August 2011 authorities bulldozed, without warning, this building owned by human rights defender Leyla Yu...
Eurovision puts spotlight on human rights in AzerbaijanEurovision puts spotlight on human rights in Azerbaijan
The Eurovision Song Contest will be taking place in Azerbaijan at the end of May. Human rights activists want to use the event to bring i...
Criticism against Azerbaijan has a made-to-order character, Ali Hasanov saysCriticism against Azerbaijan has a made-to-order character, Ali Hasanov says
The statement came from head of the public policy department of the Presidential Administration Ali Hasanov commenting on criticism of so...
Top official: Allegations about pressure on journalists in Azerbaijan unfoundedTop official: Allegations about pressure on journalists in Azerbaijan unfounded
At present, the Law on Mass Media in Azerbaijan fully guarantees freedom of the press, head of the Socio-Political Department of the Pres...
But officials can say all they want, the world that reads and knows, is well aware of the reality on the ground. No one is making anything up, perhaps it is time to realize this and take responsibility for the actions committed unjustly against human rights advocates, journalists and many others innocent citizens of this country. A case in point is this recent report released by the Foreign Policy Center and titled "Spotlight on Azerbaijan".

You can also watch the video below that sums of well the behind-the-scenes-Eurovision 2012.
Hypocrisy (qısa film) · dekoltegroup
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]]>http://storify.com/arzugeybulla/eurovision-2012-what-you-see-and-don-t-seehttp://storify.com/arzugeybulla/eurovision-2012-what-you-see-and-don-t-seeMon, 21 May 2012 19:52:55 GMT<![CDATA[Azerbaijan valuing glitz over human rights]]>

As we get closer to Eurovision 2012 attention over human rights situation in Azerbaijan grows

Storified by Arzu Geybullayeva · Sun, May 06 2012 00:51:10

While international organizations and media keep a spot light over Azerbaijan as the country prepares to host one of the most high budget song contests (Azerbaijan could not resist the temptation of being the highest spender on this contest), the country's human rights record remains on a slippery slope with any kind of developments yet to be seen.
Human Rights Watch: Azerbaijan and Eurovision: Behind the ...Human Rights Watch: Azerbaijan and Eurovision: Behind the ...
2 days ago ... Azerbaijan and Eurovision: Behind the Propaganda - The Huffington Post.
Azerbaijan&#39;s lack of media freedoms comes under fire ahead of the Eurovision ...
BAKU, Azerbaijan — An attack on a group of journalists in Azerbaijan at a demolition site has drawn widespread international condemnation...
Where a Glitzy Pop Contest Takes Priority Over RightsWhere a Glitzy Pop Contest Takes Priority Over Rights
The Caucasus republic of Azerbaijan is no exception. With less than four weeks to go before it hosts the Eurovision Song Contest, the Aze...
In the meantime Azerbaijani officials consider the situation stable and free.
Azerbaijan &#39;Has Free Media, Doesn&#39;t Need World Press Day&#39;Azerbaijan &#39;Has Free Media, Doesn&#39;t Need World Press Day&#39;
As we have a free press we don&#39;t need to specify a day," he said, before having a good belly laugh. On May 2, the Committee to P...
Decision made in Geneva not to politicize holding Eurovision song contest in ...Decision made in Geneva not to politicize holding Eurovision song contest in ...
Unfortunately, the Western press has recently formed an opinion about Azerbaijan as a rather undemocratic country without political plura...
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]]>http://storify.com/arzugeybulla/azerbaijan-valuing-glitz-over-human-rightshttp://storify.com/arzugeybulla/azerbaijan-valuing-glitz-over-human-rightsSun, 06 May 2012 07:51:10 GMT<![CDATA[Eurovision in Azerbaijan]]>

This May, Azerbaijan will be hosting its first Eurovision song contest. For those of you who don't know its a useless, politicized, glitzy song competition. Above all Azerbaijan is a country that needs a lot of improvement and flashy song contest is the least of these of the areas in need of that.

Storified by Arzu Geybullayeva · Thu, Mar 22 2012 19:12:25

And this is why...
Azerbaijan has Eurovision in more ways than one | Culture ...
Mar 14, 2012 ... As Baku prepares to welcome Europe&#39;s biggest voices, its visual artists are setting their sights on the world.
World Report 2012: Azerbaijan | Human Rights WatchWorld Report 2012: Azerbaijan | Human Rights Watch
Azerbaijan&#39;s human rights record deteriorated in 2011. The government cracked down on all forms of protest and imprisoned dozens of...
Azerbaijan: Disco for Democracy?
Just like almost anything from Azerbaijan these days, the recent beatings and arrests of protesting youth rappers are being weighed again...
However in the meantime, this has not really stopped visitors excited about the contest to visit the country.
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]]>http://storify.com/arzugeybulla/eurovision-in-azerbaijanhttp://storify.com/arzugeybulla/eurovision-in-azerbaijanFri, 23 Mar 2012 02:12:25 GMT