‘Darkness Descending’: Tucker Carlson Responds to News of Durov’s Arrest
Carlson asserts that the Russian-born tech billionaire was “locked up” for promoting freedom of speech on his platform. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The founder and CEO of Telegram, Pavel Durov, was reportedly detained upon his arrival in France on Saturday.
Tucker Carlson, an American journalist and political commentator, described Durov's arrest as a warning for platforms that challenge censorship. According to French media, the Russian-born entrepreneur was taken into custody at Paris-Le Bourget Airport and is set to appear in court on Sunday evening. The French authorities allegedly issued an arrest warrant, claiming that the lack of sufficient moderation on Telegram has led to its widespread use by criminals.
Durov’s arrest has sparked online concerns, with some suggesting political motivations behind the prosecution.
“Pavel Durov left Russia when the government tried to control his social media company, Telegram. But in the end, it wasn’t Putin who arrested him for allowing the public to exercise free speech,” Carlson commented on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday. "It was a Western country, a Biden administration ally and enthusiastic NATO member, that locked him away.”
Carlson asserted that Durov’s situation serves as “a living warning to any platform owner who refuses to censor the truth at the behest of governments and intel agencies.” He cautioned, “Darkness is descending fast on the formerly free world.”
In April, Carlson conducted a rare interview with Durov, during which the Telegram founder discussed his conflicts with the Russian government and the pressure he encountered in the U.S. He expressed his refusal to create a surveillance “backdoor” for his messaging service as demanded by the American government.
Elon Musk, the owner of X, also voiced disapproval of the reported arrest, stating, “POV: It’s 2030 in Europe and you’re being executed for liking a meme,” in response to the news.
Launched in 2013, Telegram now boasts over 950 million active monthly users. Although Durov is originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, he has primarily resided in the UAE since the mid-2010s and obtained French and Emirati citizenship in 2021.
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
Tucker Carlson, an American journalist and political commentator, described Durov's arrest as a warning for platforms that challenge censorship. According to French media, the Russian-born entrepreneur was taken into custody at Paris-Le Bourget Airport and is set to appear in court on Sunday evening. The French authorities allegedly issued an arrest warrant, claiming that the lack of sufficient moderation on Telegram has led to its widespread use by criminals.
Durov’s arrest has sparked online concerns, with some suggesting political motivations behind the prosecution.
“Pavel Durov left Russia when the government tried to control his social media company, Telegram. But in the end, it wasn’t Putin who arrested him for allowing the public to exercise free speech,” Carlson commented on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday. "It was a Western country, a Biden administration ally and enthusiastic NATO member, that locked him away.”
Carlson asserted that Durov’s situation serves as “a living warning to any platform owner who refuses to censor the truth at the behest of governments and intel agencies.” He cautioned, “Darkness is descending fast on the formerly free world.”
In April, Carlson conducted a rare interview with Durov, during which the Telegram founder discussed his conflicts with the Russian government and the pressure he encountered in the U.S. He expressed his refusal to create a surveillance “backdoor” for his messaging service as demanded by the American government.
Elon Musk, the owner of X, also voiced disapproval of the reported arrest, stating, “POV: It’s 2030 in Europe and you’re being executed for liking a meme,” in response to the news.
Launched in 2013, Telegram now boasts over 950 million active monthly users. Although Durov is originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, he has primarily resided in the UAE since the mid-2010s and obtained French and Emirati citizenship in 2021.
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
