Telegram’s founder Pavel Durov breaks his silence after his arrest in France, defending the platform's free speech mission and criticizing French authorities' actions.
Telegram founder Pavel Durov has spoken publicly for the first time since his arrest in France in August. In a message to his Telegram followers, Durov expressed surprise over his arrest, stating that French authorities had multiple avenues to reach him without taking drastic measures. He also reaffirmed Telegram’s commitment to free speech, hinting at potential withdrawal from markets that don’t align with the platform’s core principles.
Key Points:
Durov's Arrest: Durov was arrested in France despite having an official representative in the EU and being a frequent visitor to the French Consulate in Dubai.
Defense of Telegram: Durov reiterated that Telegram stands for free speech and may leave markets that conflict with this mission.
Political Tensions: French President Macron denied any political motives behind the arrest, sparking more criticism from free speech advocates.
Tech Industry Reaction: Rumble’s CEO, Chris Pavlovski, fled Europe following Durov’s arrest, warning that France is unsafe for tech founders prioritizing free speech.
Durov's Legal Situation: Despite offers of diplomatic assistance from Russia and the UAE, Durov declined, but allowed the UAE to stay updated on his case.
Pavel Durov's arrest raised serious questions about free speech in France, with the Telegram founder making it clear that his platform would not compromise on its principles. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this will affect both Durov’s standing and Telegram’s future in Europe.
Source: Cointelegraph
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