France aims to ‘shut down’ Telegram, says Russian human rights chief
France apprehended Pavel Durov in an effort to “shut down” Telegram, according to a statement from Russia’s leading human rights official. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Tatyana Moskalkova has criticized the arrest of Pavel Durov, deeming it a violation of free speech.
According to Moskalkova, French authorities detained Telegram's founder in an effort to undermine the censorship-free platform. Durov, a prominent entrepreneur with citizenship in France, the UAE, and Saint Kitts and Nevis, was apprehended after his private jet arrived at Paris-Le Bourget Airport on Saturday. French officials have stated that an official announcement regarding the situation will be made on Monday. Reports suggest that prosecutors believe Durov did not sufficiently restrict the platform’s use by criminal entities.
On Telegram, Moskalkova asserted that “the real reason behind Pavel Durov’s arrest is an attempt to shut down Telegram, the platform where you can find the truth about world affairs.” She further lamented that the persecution of Durov infuriates “everyone who supports the freedom of speech and the creation of the multipolar world.”
In another post, Moskalkova labeled Durov’s arrest as “another gross violation of freedom of speech.” She elaborated, stating, “It is another glaring example of double standards when it comes to the respect of fundamental human rights by countries that praise democracy but, in reality, are seeking to crush it. Instead of fighting crime, discrimination, and other human rights violations, they want total control over expression of opinions.”
Moskalkova praised Durov, calling him a person who “created an easy-to-use, simple and accessible tool for communication between people all over the world, a channel for the rapid spread of information that is free from censorship.”
In response to the incident, Telegram released a statement on Sunday, asserting that the company adheres to EU laws and content moderation policies. The statement described accusations against Durov as “absurd,” emphasizing that he should not be held accountable for the misuse of the platform by malicious actors. Earlier this year, Telegram appointed a Belgian legal representative to ensure compliance with EU regulations.
Durov has a history of resisting requests from authorities to provide user data or establish a surveillance “backdoor.” He has publicly articulated the pressures he has faced from the US and has openly disagreed with the Russian government, contributing to his departure from Russia in the 2010s to relocate to the UAE.
Despite this, numerous Russian politicians have denounced Durov’s arrest, with some speculating that it might have political motivations. Additionally, various prominent figures in the West, including journalist Tucker Carlson and entrepreneur Elon Musk, have voiced their support for Durov.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
According to Moskalkova, French authorities detained Telegram's founder in an effort to undermine the censorship-free platform. Durov, a prominent entrepreneur with citizenship in France, the UAE, and Saint Kitts and Nevis, was apprehended after his private jet arrived at Paris-Le Bourget Airport on Saturday. French officials have stated that an official announcement regarding the situation will be made on Monday. Reports suggest that prosecutors believe Durov did not sufficiently restrict the platform’s use by criminal entities.
On Telegram, Moskalkova asserted that “the real reason behind Pavel Durov’s arrest is an attempt to shut down Telegram, the platform where you can find the truth about world affairs.” She further lamented that the persecution of Durov infuriates “everyone who supports the freedom of speech and the creation of the multipolar world.”
In another post, Moskalkova labeled Durov’s arrest as “another gross violation of freedom of speech.” She elaborated, stating, “It is another glaring example of double standards when it comes to the respect of fundamental human rights by countries that praise democracy but, in reality, are seeking to crush it. Instead of fighting crime, discrimination, and other human rights violations, they want total control over expression of opinions.”
Moskalkova praised Durov, calling him a person who “created an easy-to-use, simple and accessible tool for communication between people all over the world, a channel for the rapid spread of information that is free from censorship.”
In response to the incident, Telegram released a statement on Sunday, asserting that the company adheres to EU laws and content moderation policies. The statement described accusations against Durov as “absurd,” emphasizing that he should not be held accountable for the misuse of the platform by malicious actors. Earlier this year, Telegram appointed a Belgian legal representative to ensure compliance with EU regulations.
Durov has a history of resisting requests from authorities to provide user data or establish a surveillance “backdoor.” He has publicly articulated the pressures he has faced from the US and has openly disagreed with the Russian government, contributing to his departure from Russia in the 2010s to relocate to the UAE.
Despite this, numerous Russian politicians have denounced Durov’s arrest, with some speculating that it might have political motivations. Additionally, various prominent figures in the West, including journalist Tucker Carlson and entrepreneur Elon Musk, have voiced their support for Durov.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
