Jimmy Carr has defended his decision to perform at the comedy festival in Riyadh.
The British comedian, who appeared at the festival which ran from 26 September to 9 October, has stated that people should "give up" on the idea that the Middle East is the same as Western Europe.
The festival has been heavily criticised by Human Rights Watch, who have accused the Saudi government of using the festival to deflect attention from what it describes as "brutal repression of free speech and other pervasive human rights violations".
Hunan rights groups have been long running critics of Saudi Arabia, with Amnesty International raising several concerns, including that people who exercise their right to freedom of expression have been met with arbitrary arrests, detention and lengthy prison sentences after unfair trials.
Speaking about his decision to play at the Riyadh festival on The Louis Threoux Podcast, Jimmy 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 payment, Carr added: "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".
Regarding the freedom of speech and his material potentially offending people, Carr said: "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".
Carr's decision to perform at the festival has been criticised by Amnesty International, branding the comedian's comments as hypocritical.
"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", Felix Jakens,Amnesty International UK's head of campaigns.
"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", Jakens added.
"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".
