Russian Comedian Living in Kazakhstan Accused of Inciting Ethnic Hatred By Russian Authorities

Russian authorities have opened an administrative case against comedian Nyurgun Atakov, a Yakut performer who has been residing in Kazakhstan for the past three years, Orda.kz reports.

According to the news portal Yakutia.Info, the case accuses Atakov of “inciting hatred or hostility, as well as humiliating human dignity based on nationality,” under Article 20.3.1 of the Russian Code of Administrative Offenses.

A case has been opened against Nurgun Atakov, who performs in the role of a 'comedian from Yakutia' in Kazakhstan, for inciting hatred or hostility, as well as humiliation of human dignity on the basis of nationality (Article 20.3.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation), as reported by the TGC 'Torboznoye Radio'. The case was twice submitted to the Yakutsk City Court in June, but both times the courts returned it back to the police, citing procedural violations,
 the outlet clarifies.

Authorities claim Atakov’s performances include remarks that insult the Russian language, the Russian people, and the Orthodox faith.

He is known for telling exaggerated or fictionalized anecdotes on YouTube comedy shows.

Original Author: Anastasia Prilepskaya