Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan On Two Wheels: Some Different Ways Of Winning
Winning is a simple thing, and it isn't. For the riders on the Airgas-Safeway team and for Azerbaijan itself, there is more to the race than finishing first.
Azerbaijan On Two Wheels: Making A Break
Every team at the Tour of Azerbaijan is there to win. But winning a stage isn't just about riding faster. It's about teamwork, luck, and opportunity, and it's hard.
Azerbaijan On Two Wheels: The Whole World On A Bike
At the Tour of Azerbaijan, cycling's wild globalized economy is on full display. But all these riders, from all over the world, are chasing the same elusive dream.
Azerbaijan On Two Wheels: Riding Around The World On A Punctured Tire
In which a writer goes across the globe to a suddenly wealthy petro-state to cover an upstart professional cycling team, and is quickly put to work fixing bicycles.
'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.
The Beautiful, Badass World Freestyle Wrestling Championship
The best freestyle wrestlers in the world came to Los Angeles in April for one of the sport's biggest international tournaments.
Get Ready For an Explosion of Mining on the Ocean Floor
As global demand for metals and minerals continues to skyrocket, mining companies are looking to strike it rich at the bottom of the sea — and environmental groups are trying to stop them.
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.
'Europe Is Closing Its Eyes to Human Rights' — Daughter of Jailed Azerbaijan Activist Leyla Yunus Pleads for Help
The Nobel Peace Prize nominee and her husband are languishing in prison while Western countries build business ties with the oil rich nation. VICE News speaks to her daughter Dinara.