08/11/2025
Today is November 8, Victory Day for my homeland, Azerbaijan.
In 2020 our country finally regained its lands after almost 30 years of Armenian occupation. It was the end of a long and painful chapter in our history and a moment of pride and unity for every Azerbaijani.
But for me, this time also carries a very personal meaning.
I was targeted even before the liberation began, but things only got worse once the liberation started. Across the world, Azerbaijanis were being targeted during those times, not because of anything they had done, but simply because of their nationality. The attacks came from individuals of the same nationality from which our country was being liberated.
Not everyone was targeted. They focused on people who were visible online, whose businesses or professions could easily be found and destroyed. I still remember the shock when I saw posts on Facebook and Instagram pages of attackers listing names of Azerbaijanis and their workplaces with calls to action to find and destroy them.
If someone owned a restaurant, they were flooded with fake reviews. If someone was a lawyer, a doctor, or a public figure, they were defamed and harassed. They went after those who had built something and worked hard to create success because they knew that’s where they could cause the most pain.
I was one of them.
I had a public profile and a successful chocolate business that I started 11 years ago — something I built with love and care, something that brought happiness and smiles to people. Even my TV segment about Azerbaijani cuisine and traditions in Australia became a reason for hate, even though it wasn’t political at all. It was just about food, culture, and the beauty of traditions.
Within days my business pages, my personal pages — all of it was attacked with fake reviews, lies, and defamation. My phone number and home address were shared publicly, and I began receiving real and frightening threats.
What shocked me most is that it all began here in Australia, the country I call home. I am an Australian of Azerbaijani heritage, and I love this country deeply. Australia is a beautiful multicultural nation where we all come from somewhere and where people of all backgrounds should feel safe and respected.
It was heartbreaking to realise that some people had carried generational hatred across continents. What was even more disturbing was discovering that almost every one of the attackers belonged to the same organised group — an organisation that openly promotes hate and division. Their names were there publicly, connected to this network that spreads propaganda and hostility, not quietly but openly, right here in Australia and in other countries.
During the court proceedings, when the offenders were asked if they even knew me, they admitted they didn’t.
They said they simply didn’t like my nationality — as if that alone was enough reason to destroy someone’s business.
It was grotesque. Imagine standing in court and hearing people openly admit, “I attacked her because I don’t like her nationality, and she has no right to promote her culture or share her cuisine.”
It sounded so absurd I could hardly believe what I was hearing. And some of the offenders didn’t even turn up to court. They are still in hiding, avoiding responsibility and refusing to accept the court’s judgment. They’ve been found legally liable for defamation, yet they continue to ignore the ruling. But hiding doesn’t erase what they’ve done. Justice doesn’t disappear. While they’re hiding, their debts continue to grow, and one day they’ll have to face the consequences.
Since sharing my story, I’ve been approached by people from all over the world who went through the same pain.
Many told me they had to protect their children who were bullied at schools and universities simply because of their background. Some people had to relocate when their businesses were attacked. This didn’t happen in one country — it happened everywhere.
That’s why I feel it’s my responsibility to speak up.
When I asked others why they didn’t share their stories, most said they were afraid — afraid for their children, their loved ones, their safety.
And I understand that fear very well. It wasn’t easy for me either.
I was receiving threats to my life. I went through sleepless nights, anxiety, and constant pressure. But I stood up for myself, and when I did, I knew I wasn’t standing only for me — I was standing for everyone who has ever been silenced by hate.
On November 8, 2022, the same day Azerbaijan celebrated its national victory, I stood in front of the County Court of Victoria for the first day of my own fight for justice.
It was a painful and exhausting process that lasted three days.
I decided to sue for defamation because I had to protect myself. The police couldn’t act on the life threats, so I had no choice but to take it further.
It was hard in every possible way — emotionally, financially, and physically.
Pain is not something I often share publicly.
In these five years, I’ve spoken about it only a few times because pain, for me, is very personal.
At the end of March 2023, justice was finally served and I won my case. The offenders were found legally liable for spreading false and damaging statements about me and my business in the defamation case. But the damage had already been done. Three years of my life had been stolen by cruelty, and I’m still healing.
I’m sharing this today because even now, with so many conflicts and wars around the world, I keep seeing the same thing happening again. People defame and destroy each other’s businesses, targeting those they’ve never met, simply because of nationality. Yes, it happens here in Australia too.
It should never happen. Enough spreading hate.
Hate has almost become normal in society.
Just look at what social media has turned into. It was once created to connect people and share stories, but somewhere along the way, it became a space for envy, anger, and hate.
Since 2020, cyberbullying and online hate have only become worse. My story is just one example, but it’s a reminder that online hate has real consequences. It destroys lives, businesses, families, and health. It takes truth, courage, and compassion to fight back and rebuild.
Through all of this, I found a way to turn pain into purpose.
I wrote my book “Trolled: From Victim to Victor.”
This book is not just about my story — it’s also a guide for anyone who might find themselves in a similar situation. It shows what to do if you become a target, how to protect yourself and your loved ones, and how to move from fear and pain toward strength and recovery.
My book is available on Amazon and other major bookstores around the world.
https://www.amazon.com/TROLLED-Victim-Victor-Khuraman-Armstrong-ebook/dp/B0CG5SYMXH
In Australia, you can also order signed copies through my website.
https://khuramanarmstrong.com/products/trolled-from-victim-to-victor?variant=44366811398367
If you’ve already read it, I’ll be truly grateful if you share your thoughts or leave a review. Every review helps me keep spreading this message and raising awareness about cyberbullying. Your support means a lot.
So today I celebrate two victories — the Victory Day of my homeland and my own journey from victim to victor. ❤️