Foreign Minister Baiba Braže announced on social media that she had added TNT channel's Maria Markova to the roll-call of those who will be turned away if they try to enter the country, describing her as a "propagandist''.
I’ve included #Russia TV channel TNT’s propagandist Maria MARKOVA on the list of persons undesirable in the Republic of Latvia (persona non grata) and banned her entry into Latvia🇱🇻 for an indefinite period of time. The decision is taken in accordance with the Immigration law. https://t.co/tHZALMgIQa
— Baiba Braže (@Braze_Baiba) September 11, 2024
Markova had been due to perform a gig at the Crystal Club in Rīga on September 13 but has been booed off before even entering the country – perhaps the most effective pre-emptive heckle in the history of stand-up.
Markova joins a growing list of Russian entertainers who have been booked by some venues in the Latvian capital despite their previous pronouncements on the war in Ukraine or their affiliations with Russian state propaganda outlets, only to have their shows cancelled by the fact that they are not allowed into the country.
The show was organized by Estonian company Baltic Concert Group.
