Telegram founder Pavel Durov was arrested by the French authorities over alleged content censorship failures.
Russia criticized the arrest, while Elon Musk voiced support for Durov’s stance on free speech.
Saturday evening saw French authorities arrest Telegram founder Pavel Durov at Le Bourget airport, triggering a wealth of responses from all corners.
French Authorities Arrest Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Over Content Moderation Issues
Although the French government hasn’t confirmed the arrest yet, reports say that the detention of Telegram founder Pavel Durov is somehow connected to accusations of failing to censor content on his messaging platform, which may be related to terrorism or money laundering.
Reports have indicated that an arrest warrant was issued after the French authorities conducted a preliminary investigation.
According to critics, if Telegram is seen to have encrypted messages and fails to cooperate with law enforcers, Durov also risks being charged with incitement to commit crimes like drug trafficking, paedophilia, and fraud, among others.
Russia, Elon Musk React Strongly To Durov’s Detention
Durov’s arrest has caused furious reactions in Russia, where the Russian Embassy has requested clarification of what happened from France.
A number of Russian-speaking bloggers have called for global protests at French embassies this Sunday afternoon in support of Durov among Telegram’s user base.
Russia’s representative to international organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, joined other Russian officials who rebuked France for acting like an authoritarian regime.
Some naive persons still don’t understand that if they play more or less visible role in international information space it is not safe for them to visit countries which move towards much more totalitarian societies. https://t.co/cAmIfU6CwE
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) August 24, 2024
SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently took to social media to defend Telegram founder Pavel Durov, stating that free speech needed protection and, at the same time, criticizing the European approach.
POV: It’s 2030 in Europe and you’re being executed for liking a meme https://t.co/OkZ6YS3u2P
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 24, 2024
Musk did not hesitate to respond with a hint of humour: “It’s 2030 in Europe and you’re being executed for liking a meme,” referencing the possible 20-year prison sentence Durov could face.
Closely connected to the Telegram messenger, the TON community published a post on X reiterating their commitment to freedom of speech, showing support for Durov. The news sent the Toncoin price down more than 18% before it partially recovered.
Statement from the TON Community
Following the recent news related to the Telegram’s founder Pavel Durov, we want to assure everyone that the TON community remains strong and fully operational.
As a community committed to freedom of speech and decentralization, we stand firmly…
— TON (@ton_blockchain) August 24, 2024
