Comedian Jimmy Carr has defended his decision to perform at a comedy festival in Riyadh, saying people should "give up" on the idea that the Middle East is the same as Western Europe.
The 53-year-old, known for his stand-up and TV hosting, appeared at the Riyadh Comedy Festival, which ran from 26 September to 9 October.
Human Rights Watch criticised the event, saying the Saudi government was using the festival to deflect attention from what it described as "brutal repression of free speech and other pervasive human rights violations".
Saudi Arabia has faced long-running criticism from human rights groups. Amnesty International has reported that people who exercise their right to freedom of expression have been subjected to arbitrary arrest and detention and lengthy prison terms after unfair trials, among other concerns.
Speaking on The Louis Theroux Podcast, Carr said: "I played it. I loved it. I think we need to give up on the idea that the Middle East becomes Western Europe. The Middle East is a very different place … The thing that I like about Saudi Arabia is the direction of travel. Look at where it was 10 years ago. Look at where it is now. The direction of travel is pretty good."
When asked how much he was paid, Carr said: "I was paid, I would say, a commensurate amount with selling out an 8,000 seater room. So it's a big room, and I got paid. I earned it."
Speaking about freedom of speech and his material potentially offending people, Carr added: "You have to deal with the consequences… Some people really were upset by it. That’s OK. I’ve got the people that come and see me and they really like that stuff, and I’ve got to serve them, not someone else."
Amnesty International has since criticised the comedian's comments as hypocritical.
Felix Jakens, Amnesty International UK’s head of campaigns, said: "This is entertainment-washing in action – using big-name comedians and glossy festivals to project reform while repression continues offstage. No amount of laughter can disguise the reality of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.
"Last year alone, a record 345 people were executed, many after deeply flawed trials.
"Peaceful women’s rights activists like Manahel al-Otaibi remain behind bars, while British nationals such as Ahmed al-Doush have been jailed over social media posts. To this day, justice is still denied to the family of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
"Comedians performing there should ask whether they are challenging repression or helping to legitimise it. Performing 'free speech’ in a country where speaking freely can cost you your life isn’t brave – it’s hypocrisy."
Source: Press Association
