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In a troubling development for the comedy scene in Russia, stand-up comic Artemy Ostanin received a sentence of five years and nine months in prison. The Moscow court convicted him of inciting hatred and for offending religious sentiments based on remarks made during the filming of a comedy show in December. Ostanin’s jokes, which included commentary on Jesus Christ and a disabled individual, ignited a backlash from pro-Kremlin factions, who interpreted his words as a jab at a soldier injured in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Ostanin was not initially slated to perform that night but was unexpectedly called to the stage. Following his arrest, he reported experiencing severe abuses, including physical assaults and torture. The gravity of the situation underscores a chilling reality for comedians and artists in Russia, where humor can swiftly lead to persecution.
The silence of the comedy community
Within Russia, the response from the comedy fraternity has been notably muted regarding Ostanin’s situation. Many comedians appear hesitant to publicly express their support, fearful of potential repercussions. However, some performers living in exile have bravely articulated their dismay. Their responses, collected through interviews and social media interactions, convey a mixture of rage and sorrow, illustrating a profession caught in a web of fear and self-censorship.
Responses from fellow comedians
Alexander Nezlobin, a fellow comedian, acknowledged that Ostanin’s joke may not have been well-received but emphasized that no words should justify incarceration. He likened the current state of affairs in Russia to a fictional narrative where individuals face trial for nonexistent crimes, reminiscent of historical tales of censorship. This metaphor highlights the absurdity of the situation, wherein free speech is under constant siege.
Ruslan Khalitov, who left Russia in, described Ostanin’s prosecution as a broader tactic aimed at instilling fear within society rather than merely targeting comedians. He pointed out that despite an expert analysis by the defense indicating no criminality in Ostanin’s remarks, the court chose to overlook this evidence, as well as reports of his mistreatment in custody.
Fear stifles expression
Several comedians who performed at the same event as Ostanin provided testimonies during his trial, revealing they had been cautioned about discussing certain topics. However, since Ostanin was a last-minute addition to the lineup, he did not receive the same warnings. Interestingly, the editorial team of the show did not consider his material controversial enough to edit out during post-production, suggesting that jokes addressing sensitive issues had been part of the comedic landscape prior to the war.
After the verdict was announced, Khalitov expressed his frustration on social media, lamenting the silence that permeates the comedy community. He articulated a profound concern: the inability to even extend sympathy in Russia today. He placed blame squarely on the judicial system, particularly on Judge Olesya Medvedeva, who delivered the harsh sentence.
A call for solidarity
Others like Kristina Bitkulova condemned the ruling as an act of barbarism, pushing back against the narrative that Ostanin should have anticipated the consequences of his jokes. She argued that accepting such reasoning equates to viewing Russia as a repressive regime akin to North Korea. This underscores a cruel paradox faced by comedians in Russia: those still within the country are paralyzed by fear, while those who have fled are often criticized for losing their right to voice concerns.
Irina Prikhodko expressed her shock at the disproportionate nature of the sentence relative to the alleged offense, while Garik Oganisyan stated emphatically that no joke is worth such a lengthy prison term. He highlighted the disturbing reality that many continue to deny the existence of issues concerning free speech and the law, describing the atmosphere as one of “darkness and zombification.”
The future of comedy in a repressive landscape
Tatyana Shchukina, who once worked alongside Ostanin in Belgrade, reflected on her attempts to dissuade him from returning to Russia, branding the sentence as “hell on Earth.” The conversation turns to the fundamental question of loyalty. In today’s Russia, comedians who show allegiance to the regime can criticize officials without fear, while those perceived as disloyal face severe consequences.
Konstantin Shirokov pointed to a systemic failure, arguing that Russia has long sought to emulate Western standards without fostering a culture that embraces the freedom to err. He emphasized that comedy thrives on mistakes and that the essence of open mic nights is experimentation. Ostanin’s ill-timed joke cost him dearly, but it was his perceived disloyalty that ultimately sealed his fate.
Finally, Katya Utkina questioned the very purpose of her craft in light of such developments. If the growing list of prohibited subjects means that speaking the truth—an essential component of comedy—can lead to imprisonment, what motivation remains for comedians? She poignantly recalled sharing moments with Ostanin just before his incarceration, now reduced to communicating via prison mail.