“Ilhom” theater's performance about Afghanistan is banned

The premiere of the play “Underground Girls”, the beginning of which was to be held on 10 September in the “Ilhom” theater, has been postponed indefinitely.  This was caused by a letter sent by the Theatre Actors Union.

On the social network page of the “Ilhom” theater, a photo of the letter signed by the chairman of the Union of Theatre Actors Yokub Akhmedov to general administration of Internal Affairs and the National Guard Department was published.  The letter noted that the play could damage the peaceful and stable life of the Uzbek-Afghan people and bilateral relations.

“The play mainly addresses such issues as the fate of people living in neighboring Afghanistan, the devastating effects of women’s imprisonment, basic human rights, independence, education, and self-determination, as well as attempts to fight for their freedom.

Demonstration of the public, religious and political situation in Afghanistan on the basis of Western worldview to the general public, condemnation of national and religious values and traditions can damage the peaceful and stable life of Uzbek-Afghan bilateral relations.

Respecting the traditions and national values of other people, it is advisable to bring them to the attention of the public after a comprehensive discussion”, - the letter of the union stated.

The message on the social network page of the “Ilhom” theater notes that the fate of the play, the production of which is postponed indefinitely, depends on the decision of the expert commission which is currently being formed.

The “Ilhom” theater received an official letter from the Union of Theatre Actors of Uzbekistan, expressing concern about some themes in the play.  In this regard, the project “is not recommended for public display.”  The future of the play depends on the decision of the expert commission, which will be formed in the near future.  In connection with the opening of the 47th theatrical season on 11 September, we invite everyone to the performance “I love you, but.”  All tickets purchased for these dates can be exchanged for other performances or reimbursed" – the report said.

Regarding the situation, the Ministry of Justice also reacted to the letter of “The Union of Theatre Actors.”  In the report, it is noted that letter 01-02-71 from 7 September 2022, from “The Union of Theatre Actors” has no legal force.

According to the Ministry of Justice, in correspondence with Article 4 of the law “On non-governmental non-profit organizations», it is prohibited from interfering with the activity of non-governmental, non-profit organizations in the activities of state bodies and their officials.

In accordance with Article 8 of this law, a non-governmental, non-profit organization is obliged to comply with the legislation and constituent documents, provide free access to information on sources of financing, and submit reports on its activities in accordance with the established procedure.

 Interference of non-governmental non-profit organization “Union of Theatre Actors” in relations related to the internal affairs authorities and the units of the National Guard, in connection with the authorization of a public event, it is considered to be a deviation from statutory activities and a violation of legal requirements.

“Accordingly, the Union of Theatre Actors on 10 September 2022, has been given a written warning about the inadmissibility of violation of the law and ordered to withdraw the letter addressed to the state organizations”, - the report of the Ministry said.

It is noted that according to article 31 of the law “On cultural activities and cultural organizations” theatres have the right to choose artistic directions, and repertoire, to create stage works, to perform public performances and (or) public performances, free to make decisions and also carry out other activities not contradicting the legislation, necessary for the development of effective creative process and production.

“Interference in their activity is contrary to one of the basic principles in the sphere of cultural activity - freedom of creative activity”.

Under article 20 of the law “[On Cultural Activities and Cultural Organizations”, it is prohibited to incite national, racial, national, or religious hatred, cruelty, and violence during cultural and mass events.  It is prohibited to use slides and other materials aimed at propaganda of violence, as well as degrading the rights of other persons.

It was reported that in the future, if a non-governmental non-profit organization evades its statutory activities, liability measures will be taken and legal authorities will be contacted to terminate its activities," - the Ministry of Justice said in its reply.