Tech and Crypto Visionary Pavel Durov Finally Speaks Out After Arrest in France

Last Updated on September 6, 2024

Written by

Efe Bravo

Telegram mobile icon app on screen smartphone iPhone macro. Source: prima91 - stock.adobe.com

Key Takeaways:

Pavel Durov criticized French authorities for arresting him despite Telegram having a legal representative in the country.
Durov emphasized Telegram’s commitment to free speech and hinted at leaving markets that challenge its principles.
Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski warned that France may be becoming unsafe for tech leaders supporting free speech, amid international criticism of Durov’s arrest.

Telegram founder Pavel Durov, recently arrested in France, has spoken out, criticizing the authorities for detaining him despite Telegram having a legal representative in the country.

Durov, now restricted to France and required to report to authorities weekly, expressed his surprise and disappointment at the arrest.

He pointed out that French officials could have easily contacted him, especially since he frequently visited the French Consulate in Dubai.

Durov reiterated Telegram’s commitment to free speech and emphasized the company’s willingness to exit markets that conflict with its principles.

I'm still trying to understand what happened in France. But we hear the concerns. I made it my personal goal to prevent abusers of Telegram's platform from interfering with the future of our 950+ million users.

My full post below. https://t.co/cDvRSodjst
— Pavel Durov (@durov) September 5, 2024

French President Emmanuel Macron denied political motives behind the arrest, though international criticism, including from Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski, suggests otherwise.

I’m a little late to this, but for good reason — I’ve just safely departed from Europe.

France has threatened Rumble, and now they have crossed a red line by arresting Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, reportedly for not censoring speech.

Rumble will not stand for this behavior and…
— Chris Pavlovski (@chrispavlovski) August 25, 2024

Pavlovski, who left Europe following the arrest, warned that France is becoming unsafe for tech leaders advocating free speech, further fueling the ongoing debate about censorship and expression rights.