In 2012-2017, the Georgian capital was something like Casablanca for Azerbaijani opposition figures and those persecuted. Several dozens of journalists, activists, and representatives of culture moved from Baku to Tbilisi to avoid arrest and persecution.
Geographical proximity to the motherland, no language barrier, affordable prices and the opportunity to invite family members and friends worked towards Georgia's becoming a desirable shelter for Azerbaijani opposition figures.
Georgia no longer shelter for Azerbaijani opposition
However, in 2016, the Georgian authorities refused to extend residence permits for dozens of Azerbaijani opposition figures one after the other. The rejection letters, which they received individually, explained that the decisions were made "out of Georgia's interests and security."
As a basis for denying residence permits, the Public Service Development Agency mostly refers to Clause 18.1.a and 18.1.b of the law on legal status of foreign nationals and those without citizenship, according to which a person represents a danger for the security of the country.
According to the information requested by the Netgazeti [website], in 2014-2018, 62 Azerbaijani citizens were denied permits or extension precisely for this reason.
In 2017, Azerbaijani journalist Afqan Muxtarli was abducted from the centre of Tbilisi and sent to prison in Baku. This case clearly showed that "safety" in Georgia was a myth and that [Azerbaijani President Ilham] Aliyev's regime had reached even Tbilisi. As a result, almost all opposition figures left Tbilisi. Apart from this, being denied permits, many Azerbaijanis, who lived in Tbilisi, left for European countries.
Who of the Azerbaijani sociopolitical society has stayed in Tbilisi? Does anyone arrive from Azerbaijan and what situation are they currently in in Georgia?
Azeri journalist not safe in Tbilisi
Journalist Azar Kazimzada is 26. He has an Internet channel – Dusun TV, where the young journalist holds debates between political figures, journalists, and activists.
Azar arrived in Georgia about a year ago, after being placed under arrest in Azerbaijan on different charges four times and being beaten in a police department.
"I decided on Georgia because it is a democratic country and also, being a citizen of Azerbaijan, I needed no visa. However, I was wrong about [Georgia's being] a democratic county. It does look like a European country, but in actual fact, the Georgian authorities have close connections with our authorities, fulfilling their requests. For example, I encountered pressure on a stranger's part and later, I was taken to police for questioning, Azar said.
Azar does not feel safe in Tbilisi. After the incident with the police, he almost never leaves home and tries not to stay alone. He thinks that in such a manner, he will be safe at least temporarily.
However, he is not going to stay in Tbilisi. He is trying to move to a European country to do a course of studies there, leaving Georgia on a student visa.
LGBTI activist not safe in Georgia either
Malika [the name has been altered for safety reasons] [square brackets as published] is 22 and is an LGBTI activist. She arrived in Georgia in 2017, following the September developments, when the police began mass arrests of representatives of the LGBTI community. Malika was one of those, who were taken from their flats and beaten in a police department. At that time, she was seriously injured, which undermined her health. At present, she is receiving treatment in a Tbilisi clinic. She is trying to leave Georgia, as she does not feel safe here, either.
"In Georgia, attitude towards the LGBTI community does not differ much from that in Azerbaijan. Our society dislikes them and the police are also inactive, when our rights are infringed. In the case of violence, no-one will defend you. We know that the Azerbaijani authorities have many agents here, that is why I want to promptly leave this country," [Malika said.]
Georgia's door closed for Azeri opposition
What fate did the Azerbaijani opposition figures, who left Georgia in 2016-2017, face?
Tural Qurbanli left Georgia in 2017. At present, he and his family live in the Netherlands. As Tural put it, he decided to leave Georgia, when he noticed that he was being spied on from one and the same car.
"I noticed that my family and I were spied on. We could have experienced the same as Afqan Muxtarli did. At present, my family and I are waiting for the status of refugees," the journalist said.
Zamira Abbasova is a blogger participating in peace projects. She proved to be on the Azerbaijani authorities' black list because of her friendly ties with Armenian journalists and activists.
After the Muxtarli case, she left for London to study there. Now that she is finishing her studies, she is again in a difficult situation.
"My UK visa is expiring and I do not know what lies ahead. I do not consider my return to Georgia. Even on the day when I left Tbilisi, people in civilian clothes went [to the place I lived] to question my neighbours to find out whether they knew my whereabouts," [Abbasova said].
Culture expert Elmir Mirzayev, who had his own blog on the opposition-minded Meydan.TV, lived in Georgia for more than a year. He left Georgia for Germany, where he was granted the status of refugee.
"It is dangerous to return to Georgia. Over the past year, two Azerbaijani opposition figures, who enjoy the status of refugees in Europe, have been denied entry to Georgia. In my opinion, Georgia's door has closed for us," [Mirzayev said.]