DEVELOPING: Human Rights Watch, Marc Maron Join Scathing Criticism of Saudi Comedy Festival

BREAKING NEWS: Human Rights Watch Slams Saudi Comedy Festival, Marc Maron Joins Criticism Human Rights Watch has issued a scathing statement condemning the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia, citing the country's "brutal repression of free speech" and "pervasive human rights violations." The organization is joined by comedian Marc Maron, who was not invited to perform at the festival. The Riyadh Comedy Festival, which runs through October 9, features A-list comedians including Dave Chappelle, Aziz Ansari, Kevin Hart, and Jimmy Carr. Human Rights Watch claims that participating comedians are "laundering" the Saudi government's reputation by attending the event. This criticism comes as no surprise to those familiar with Saudi Arabia's human rights record. The country has been accused of numerous abuses, including suppressing free speech and dissent. The Riyadh Comedy Festival is currently underway in Riyadh, with many comedians already performing. It remains to be seen how this controversy will impact the festival's remaining events. This is a developing story. We will provide updates as more information becomes available. *This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Based on reporting from Npr.*