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Deep Dive: Some of the world’s biggest comedians like Kevin Hart, Pete Davidson and Jim Jefferies are cashing huge cheques to perform at what’s being billed as the largest comedy festival in the world. 
While the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia has drawn major star power, it's also sparked backlash, with human rights groups calling it a glossy distraction from the kingdom’s ongoing abuses.  

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Michael Page, a deputy director in the Middle East and North Africa division at Human Rights Watch about how the festival fits in with Saudi Arabia’s cultural and political playbook. 

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