Uzbekistan bans Russian Comedy Club over “etiquette” concerns

The popular Russian show Comedy Club has been banned in Uzbekistan over alleged violations of “etiquette norms,” sources say. 

According to the information provided to SHOT Telegram channel by sources, the country’s Ministry of Culture routinely issues bans and recommendations to organisers regarding performances by visiting artists, Caliber.Az reports. 

The restrictions reportedly began two years ago. At that time, a show titled Musical Comedy Club was scheduled to take place in Tashkent but was postponed for what organisers were told were technical reasons. A new date has yet to be set.

Organisers said the Ministry of Culture issued an official letter stating that the portrayal of family, marital, male and female relationships in the show was “contrary to national spirituality.”

SHOT also reported that visiting artists’ programs are carefully reviewed and adjusted if necessary. Government officials reportedly asked comedian Alexei Shcherbakov to remove certain jokes from his stand-up routine, while rapper T-Fest’s concert was cancelled entirely.

Similar restrictions were reportedly applied to other Russian performers, including Grigory Leps, Irina Dubtsova, Diana Arbenina, and Zemfira.

By Sabina Mammadli