european games
Azerbaijan's 'Show Trials' Are Once Again Targeting Rights Activists
Now the European Games are over, Azerbaijan's controversial trials are back on. A European politician told VICE News that the country "can get away with it because of business interests that are involved."
'Even God Forgot This Place': Welcome to the Oilfields of Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan spent billions to host the European Games, but residents of the area that provides much of the country’s wealth live anything but a life of luxury. VICE News visited the Balakhani oilfields.
Human Rights Abuses and the European Games in Azerbaijan
The inaugural European Games are underway in Azerbaijan, a country recognised for its human rights abuses and widespread corruption.
Azerbaijan Hosts Extravagant European Games Ceremony Amid Allegations of Censorship and Despotism
A spectacle that included Lady Gaga and a giant floating pomegranate wasn’t enough to overshadow the controversy over Azerbaijan’s disturbing human rights record.
'Dying Behind Bars': Human Rights Activists Jailed and Deported Before Azerbaijan's European Games
VICE News spoke to the daughter of jailed Azerbaijani activist Leyla Yunus, and international human rights groups denied entry to the country this week, right before the European Games kick off.
Human Rights Activists Remain Behind Bars as Azerbaijan Prepares to Host First European Games
With 100 days left until the games begin, Amnesty International released a report detailing "a pattern of intensified harassment and intimidation of activists” by Azerbaijan’s government.