Telegram founder Pavel Durov has spoken publicly for the first time since his arrest in France in August. Durov expressed surprise at 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 communicate with him without involving law enforcement, highlighting his regular visits to the French Consulate in Dubai.
Durov stressed that Telegram is committed to its mission of freedom of speech and expression. He said the company is willing to exit markets that do not align with its principles, stating that its motivation is not financial but driven by a desire to defend basic human rights, especially in regions where these rights are threatened.
This is an ongoing story and more details will be provided as they emerge.
