The French government is facing criticism from free speech advocates after Telegram’s CEO was arrested and the head of Lambull said he had fled Europe out of caution.
Pavel Durov is best known as the billionaire founder of Telegram, an encrypted private messaging app that is one of the most downloaded in the world and especially popular in Russia. Local reports of Durov’s arrest led to accusations that authorities were trying to stifle freedom of speech.
“Darkness is falling fast upon a world that was once free.”
On Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron Confirmed He denied the arrest but rejected accusations that the government was acting improperly.
“After Pavel Durov’s arrest I came across false information about France,” he wrote in English on social media.
“France is deeply committed to freedom of expression and communication, innovation and entrepreneurship, and that will remain the case,” he said.
“The arrest of the Telegram president in France was made as part of an ongoing judicial investigation. This is in no way a political decision. It is up to the judge to rule on this matter.”
Macron offered few details about what charges Durov faces, and French authorities have been highly secretive about why the investigation justified the arrest of its Russian-born founder. show This could be related to a potential lack of moderation on the platform and criminal activity taking place on the app.
“Rumble does not tolerate this type of behavior.”
Chris Pavlovski, CEO of video sharing app Rumble, said: Responded In preparation for possible arrest, he fled Europe as a precautionary measure to thwart Durov’s arrest.
“I’m a little late, but there’s a reason for that. I’ve just left Europe safe and sound.” Written Pavlovsky took to social media on Sunday.
“Rumble will not tolerate this kind of behavior and will use all legal means to fight for freedom of expression, which is a universal human right. We are currently fighting in French courts and want the immediate release of Pavel Durov.”
In a separate statement on Monday, he responded to Macron’s defence of the arrests.
“It’s a lie to say that we value freedom of expression. We have a letter from France that definitely proves that. We [sic] If you fight in France, you have no obligations. [sic] “Freedom of Expression” by Pavlovsky Written.
Among those criticizing France was former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.
“Pavel Durov left Russia because the government tried to control his social media company, Telegram. But in the end, it wasn’t Putin who arrested him for allowing freedom of speech to its citizens. It was Western countries, allies of the Biden administration and enthusiastic NATO members, that locked him up,” Carlson said. said Social Media on Saturday.
“Tonight Pavel Durov sits in a French prison. This is a living warning to platform owners who refuse to censor the truth at the behest of governments and intelligence agencies. Darkness is fast falling on a once free world,” he added.
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