According to Cointelegraph, Telegram founder Pavel Durov has spoken publicly for the first time since his arrest in France in August. Durov expressed surprise over the arrest, noting that Telegram has a legal representative in France to handle regulatory requests and inquiries. As a French citizen, he mentioned that authorities had multiple ways to contact him without involving law enforcement, highlighting his regular visits to the French Consulate in Dubai.

Durov emphasized that Telegram is committed to its mission of free speech and expression. He stated that the company is willing to exit markets that do not align with its principles, asserting that their motivation is not financial but driven by the desire to uphold basic human rights, especially in regions where these rights are under threat.

This is an ongoing story, and more details will be provided as they emerge.