Detained stand-up comedian Ostanin apologized for his performance

The detained stand-up comedian Artemy Ostanin apologized for his performance during the interrogation. A video of his words was posted on the Telegram channel of the Main Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of Russia in Moscow on March 18.

"My goal was not to offend, hurt anyone's feelings, threaten violence, or even incite hostility towards any social group," the suspect said.

Ostanin's arrest while trying to leave Russia became known earlier that day. According to the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, he is suspected of committing a crime under paragraph "a" of Part 2 of Article 282 of the Criminal Code ("Incitement of hatred or enmity, as well as humiliation of human dignity").

According to investigators, the stand-up comedian made hostile comments about people who were injured and disabled during a public appearance.