Russia condemns global silence over Telegram founder Durov’s arrest in France

English , International - بین الاقوامی , / Wednesday, August 28th, 2024

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Russia has sharply criticized the global silence from “neoliberal elites” regarding the arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov by French authorities. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova urged the international community to condemn the detention, labeling it an assault on free speech and a violation of international law.

Durov was arrested on Saturday at Le Bourget airport in France upon arrival from Azerbaijan. During a press conference in Moscow, Zakharova denounced the arrest, accusing France of disregarding international norms meant to protect freedom of expression. She highlighted the widespread outrage among social media users, financial experts, and independent public figures, contrasting it with the silence from neoliberal elites.

“In this situation, relevant international structures must act to protect freedom of speech and information dissemination and denounce the French authorities’ actions,” Zakharova stated.

French media reports suggest that Durov’s arrest is tied to concerns over Telegram’s lack of moderation and his refusal to cooperate with law enforcement. Paris has accused Durov of enabling crimes committed via the platform, including drug trafficking, crimes against children, and fraud.

The arrest has sparked backlash, with many prominent figures arguing that it was politically motivated. Critics claim that the French authorities aim to exert control over Telegram, a platform renowned for its strong emphasis on privacy and security, which has garnered global popularity. The international community is now being called upon to address this issue and uphold the principles of free speech.