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Renowned Kazakh stand-up comedian Nurlan Saburov has publicly addressed the recent 50-year ban preventing him from entering Russia. He shared his thoughts during a performance in Phuket, Thailand, offering a humorous perspective on the unexpected restriction.

Saburov, known for his sharp wit, acknowledged the situation with characteristic humor. He even playfully thanked Russian journalist Ksenia Sobchak for her support, quipping that her intervention might lead to an even longer ban, potentially forcing him to perform on "the fifth ring of Saturn."

Jokes About the Ban

During his set, Saburov also joked about the audience's potential motives for attending his show, suggesting many came to see a "criminal." He humorously compared his situation to that of political figures, stating, "I don't think even Zelensky has such a ban. 50 years. Am I Dracula?"

Sobchak, who reported on Saburov's comments, noted that the comedian also joked about his future sets becoming more patriotic, to the point where listeners might mistake him for a foreign agent. She added that Saburov recounted an anecdote about his detention, where every second police officer wanted a photo with him, highlighting his resilient spirit.

Background of the Entry Ban

The 50-year ban on Saburov's entry into Russia was reportedly imposed in the interest of "ensuring national security, upholding legislation, and protecting traditional spiritual and moral values." The comedian was detained at Vnukovo Airport in Moscow upon returning from Dubai. Reports suggest he had initially purchased a ticket to Kazakhstan after declining a "free deportation" from Dubai.

According to lawyer Alexander Khaminsky, the ban could be lifted if Saburov publicly changes his stance on Russian politics. The lawyer indicated that the decision stemmed from Saburov's public criticism of Russia's actions in Ukraine, "anti-Russian statements, as well as systematic violations of migration and tax legislation."

Saburov had previously stated via Instagram Stories on February 8th that he would not discuss the situation publicly, leaving the matter to his legal representatives. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities and audience support he experienced in Russia, where he began his career in Yekaterinburg before moving to Moscow. He also appealed to journalists and bloggers to respect his family's privacy.

Kazakhstan's Official Stance

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan commented on the situation, with Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Bakaev stating that Russia's decision is an internal matter governed by its own laws. "If the Russian Federation makes such a decision regarding him, it is an internal decision of the country regulated by their legislation. Therefore, it is difficult to assess what decision a third country makes," Bakaev explained.

He added that such entry bans are not uncommon and that individuals facing such restrictions typically resolve them through legal channels, potentially hiring lawyers to appeal the decision in the country that imposed it. Regarding Saburov's assets in Russia, Bakaev noted that these matters would also be handled according to Russian law and through its judicial and authorized bodies.

This development follows earlier reports that the National Security Committee of Kazakhstan had initiated an inquiry concerning Nurlan Saburov.