Odaily Planet Daily reported that several French government websites were paralyzed due to a DDoS attack, which is believed to be related to a Russian hacker group. Affected websites include the Paris Administrative Court, the French Health Department and the French Supreme Court website. Entropia Intel said the attack was believed to be a response to the arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov in France. On August 24, Durov was detained by French authorities on charges including conspiracy with illegal activities. French President Macron subsequently issued a statement saying that Durov's arrest was not for political reasons and reiterated France's commitment to freedom of speech. It also emphasized that the outcome of Durov's case will be determined by France's independent judicial system, not the country's political institutions. However, the statement has sparked widespread criticism from the crypto community and free speech activists. (Cointelegraph)