American action hero Steven Seagal gets Serbian citizenship

[webfact]

American action hero Steven Seagal gets Serbian citizenship

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Serbia has granted citizenship to American action hero Steven Seagal.

The decision, announced in the official state gazette, came after the veteran actor and producer made two recent visits to Serbia, praising its populist leadership and saying he feels like a Serb.

During one visit, Seagal was offered to train Serbian special police forces in Aikido, a Japanese martial art that he has displayed in his blockbuster movies.

His visits were sponsored by a pro-Russian Serb group.

Seagal is among the Western celebrities who have socialized with Russian President Vladimir Putin and praised him despite the deep chill in diplomatic relations between Moscow and the West.

Serbia has officially sought EU membership but has been struggling to overcome strong opposition from pro-Kremlin nationalists.


-- (c) Associated Press 2016-01-12

[webfact]

Seagalovic Now? Hollywood Star Steven Seagal Scores Serbian Citizenship

Tips for foreigners on how to obtain Serbian citizenship: first, be a famous American actor and claim you feel like a Serb; second, offer to build a martial arts school in the capital city; third, be best pals with state officials. Welcome to Steven Seagal’s new identity!

According to a statement issued by the official paper of the Serbian government on Saturday, the 63-year-old actor and film producer has been granted Serbian citizenship following numerous visits to Belgrade, in which he extolled the state leadership and claimed that he feels a close connection with the country.

A father of seven, Seagal was received twice by President Tomislav Nikolic and Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic in December 2015. At the time, he stated that he would do "everything possible to promote Serbia" around the world. He also underscored his wish to set up an Aikido school in Belgrade, officials stated.

Full story: http://sputniknews.com/society/20160112/1032969889/seagal-actor-serbia-citizenship-aikido.html

-- SPUTNIK 2016-01-12

[Cats4ever]

Is he related to Jonathan Livingstone Seagull?

[jmccarty]

Wonder if he will dispose of his US passport. Personal income tax in Serbia is 15%!

[Somtamnication]

Who GAF. The world is sinking and this is news?

[curtklay]

Steven Seagal has always been a certified, card-carrying nut job.

[FangFerang]

Ok. Why? And why should I care?

This changes nothing, distracts good minds from important issues.

Mission accomplished, Western Media!!

[theguyfromanotherforum]

As a Serbian I'm not sure if I should be proud of revolted.

[mopar71]

It's a real slap in the face to his good buddy Putin. Not that anyone should care.

[Mr Money Bags]

Wait, who.....?

Just another crazy, irrelevant old man doing crazy, irrelevant old man things. Couldn't care less about these ancients.

You're Welcome!!

[ALLSEEINGEYE]

Blockbuster movies? His movies are not even watchable.

Him and Jean Claude should have both packed it in a long time ago.

[bangon04]

Is he just not rich enough to qualify for a Montenegrin passport? - apparently they are much more useful.....

[bangon04]

As a Serbian I'm not sure if I should be proud of revolted.

Yep that sums up Serb life in general......

[Tonawatchee]

He surely knows the answer to the question "What's a Serbian Urn?

Ans: about 121 dinars a month!

[Chicog]

Well I think it's better for an aging martial arts star to die a dignified death teaching Aikido in Serbia than having a swift one off the wrist in a Bangkok hotel bedroom.

[theguyfromanotherforum]

Well I think it's better for an aging martial arts star to die a dignified death teaching Aikido in Serbia than having a swift one off the wrist in a Bangkok hotel bedroom.

ahhh yes..... Kung <deleted>!

[mpyre]

It's a real slap in the face to his good buddy Putin. Not that anyone should care.

Slap in the face? Russia and Serbia are strong allies...if anything, an endorsement of Mr. Putin.

[Doc46]

Who cares ,has been over the top self loving actor (Show off)

[bangon04]

Who cares ,has been over the top self loving actor (Show off)

You forgot his selfless sacrifice giving back to the community police documentary series...

[smotherb]

Steven Seagal has always been a certified, card-carrying nut job.

Yeah, there seems to be a whole bunch of them,

Can't seem to get it posted

[Shaunduhpostman]

He's was also declared to be a reincarnation of some Tibetan master by some Tibetan high lama or other about 15-20 years ago. Whacky guy, that Jonathon Livingstone Seagull the Serbian Buddha Master.

[balo]

Steven Seagal used to be my action hero , must have been back in the early 90's.

[mopar71]

It's a real slap in the face to his good buddy Putin. Not that anyone should care.

Slap in the face? Russia and Serbia are strong allies...if anything, an endorsement of Mr. Putin.

I know they are strong allies. But it shows that Seagal isn't dumb enough to get on the sinking ship that is Putin's Russia.