Sergey Svetlakov: To censor “ProjectorParisHilton” is silly childish games

One of the hosts of the popular TV program “ProjectorParisHilton” Sergey Svetlakov in an exclusive interview to the Charter’97 press-centre comments censorship imposed by Belarusian authorities against jokes about Lukashenka.

As we have informed, placing a video of the TV program displeasing the Belarusian authorities could be one of the reasons for the massive DdoS-attack which has paralyzed the work of our website these days.

- Sergey Svetlakov, how would you comment on the fact that Belarusian authorities censor the “ProjectorParisHilton” program and do not let you jokes about Lukashenka on air?

- Thank Heaven, Internet exists, and those who are searching are sure to find. That’s the way I would comment on it.

- Why Lukashenka is so afraid of Svetlakov, Urgant, Martirosyan and Tsekalo?

- It seems to me, he is not afraid of us. He is more afraid of himself. Why should he be afraid of us? Can one be afraid of jokes? People make jokes about Lukashenka for such a long time, both in Club of the cheerful and sharp-witted and in Comedy Club, that he should have developed immunity to them. We are also making fun and comment on things which are taking place in the world from our own positions. To block “ProjectorParisHilton” program for Belarus is a silly childish game. Everybody understands that those who want to see it will watch it anyway. Isn’t it right? When I learnt that we are blocked in Belarus, I was not surprised at all. I do not see any problems or sensations in that at all.

- Do you understand that now you have become “frost-bitten heads” too?

- It’s like in chemistry. There are two elements, and they are not to make a compound necessarily, even when they are in the same flask. I do not draw any conclusions. I am not opposition. In the “ProjectorParisHilton” program I discuss concrete actions. A person has done something, and I express my opinion. I do not want to be enumerated among “frost-bitten heads” or “ass-lickers”. I express my personal opinion. And thankfully I have a mouthpiece for that, in this case at the First Channel.

- By the way, you haven’t taken part in the latest “ProjectorParisHilton” program on purpose, have you? Did you know Lukashenka’s anger would be awful?

- It’s silly to be afraid of something. I am not afraid of anything even in our country, and I do not fear anything in other countries. Unfortunately, on my return from the US I was ailing a little, so I couldn’t participate in the program, though I wanted very much to do so.

In reality, everything could be done, when it’s done carefully, wisely. I am against all radical things. Jokes can be told about anyone, and understanding could be found with anyone. The main thing is not to rush into extremes: not to be up in arms and take to the streets, or to lick the ass. That’s all.

- How long ago were you in Belarus last time? How do you take a prospect that after being non grata persons virtually, you are to be banned entry to Belarus in reality?

- Last time I was in Belarus about half a year ago. Previously I visited Belarus more often, once in three or four months. Anyway, I have many friends here. I have work here periodically. I visit Minsk because I have friends here, and on business. And I greatly doubt that I could become a non grata person. I have even visited the US, so I think I would be allowed to enter Belarus.

When I entered the US Embassy, Americans repeated “ProjectorParisHilton” in English and asked: “Is the US yum-yum?” I said: “Yes”. I though they certainly won’t issue a visa for me. But they gave me a visa with pleasure and said: “Everything is all right, you can go. You may say any jokes you like”. As for Belarus, I think that our visit would cause greater scandal than our non-arrival.

Our concert will possibly take place in Minsk. Someday. We had offers about a concern for “ProjectorParisHilton” long ago. I think it would be a very amusing concert anyway, if it takes place.

- Why hasn’t there been your concert in Minsk so far?

- It’s hard for four of us to gather together. Moreover, in summer we go to different places. One has left for Europe for a month and a half, the other to a different place. This weekend the last “ProjectorParisHilton” will be broadcast, and then there will be a break till autumn. And in autumn everything is possible. We are sure to tour somewhere in autumn. It is not commerce for us any more, but creative development, new blood, communication with people.

- Sergey, what would you like to say to your viewers in Belarus, and to viewers of the Charter’97 website?

- I would like to wish all of you good health and clever thoughts.