The #FreeDurov community, led by the TON Society, urges France to release Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov. French authorities detained him on August 25th.
Community Condemns the Arrest
On August 27th, the community issued an open letter condemning the arrest. They view it as a direct assault on freedom of expression and privacy. The letter calls on international organizations to challenge France’s actions, emphasizing the serious threat to global communication rights.
French police apprehended Durov at Le Bourget Airport, located north of Paris, late on August 25th. After nearly 48 hours with limited contact, the French Prosecutor’s Office released a statement outlining several serious charges. They extended his detention, which could last up to 96 hours.
Highlighting Human Rights Violations
The #FreeDurov community strongly criticizes the arrest. They believe it undermines Durov’s commitment to protecting freedom of expression for over 950 million Telegram users worldwide.
The letter emphasizes that secure communication must be accessible to everyone. Durov’s belief in universal security for all users is crucial, according to the community.
In response to allegations about Telegram’s moderation policies, the community defends the platform’s adherence to EU regulations, including the Digital Services Act. They argue that Telegram’s moderation practices align with industry standards and continue to evolve.
The letter also raises concerns about selective targeting. Despite similar challenges, no other social media platform leader has been arrested.
Concerns Over Privacy and Expression Rights
The #FreeDurov community expresses deep concern about the implications of Durov’s arrest. They fear French authorities may be attempting to access user communications, which could infringe on privacy and freedom of expression rights.
The letter references the European Convention on Human Rights, to which France is a party, stressing the importance of these protections.
It also cites a European Court of Human Rights ruling in the Podchasov v. Russia case. The ruling confirms that encryption is vital for safeguarding fundamental rights, including freedom of expression.
Finally, the #FreeDurov community urges France to reassess its local laws to ensure compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights. They demand Durov’s immediate release and call on international bodies, including the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the European Union, to defend the fundamental right to online freedom.
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