The Open Network (TON) Society issued a statement on March 15, applauding the return of Pavel Durov’s passport as a triumph for freedom of expression, digital privacy, and creativity.
As reported by the AFP news agency, Durov departed France and journeyed to Dubai on the morning of March 15 after receiving authorization from French authorities to leave the European nation.
“We have supported Pavel since his detention on August 24, 2024,” remarked the TON Society wrote. The organization elaborated:
“Pavel’s steadfast devotion to freedom of expression and transparency, despite encountering severe challenges, serves as a compelling reminder of the necessity to uphold your beliefs, even when it poses political and personal risks.”
The TON Society had earlier composed a letter denouncing the French government for holding Durov and urging the nation to liberate the Telegram founder.
The TON Society rejoices at the return of Durov’s passport from French law enforcement authorities. Source: TON Society
“The detention of the Telegram founder, Pavel Durov, is an outright attack on a fundamental human right — the freedom of expression for all,” stated the TON Society’s letter dated August 27.
At that time, the organization also urged the United Nations, the Council of Europe (CoE), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and the European Union (EU) to step in and advocate for Durov’s freedom.
Advocates for free expression within the crypto sector raised alarms regarding Pavel Durov’s detention, highlighting the worrisome implications for privacy and decentralized technologies amid governmental pressures to censor the internet and the risk of regulatory takeover.
Emmanuel Macron rejects political motivations behind Durov’s arrest
Immediately after French law enforcement officials detained the Telegram founder, President Emmanuel Macron refuted claims that the arrest was politically motivated and asserted that France upheld commitments to free speech.
French President Emmanuel Macron asserts that the arrest of Pavel Durov was not politically charged. Source: Emmanuel Macron
During a press conference afterward, Macron also claimed he did not invite Durov to France amid a wave of protests from the cryptocurrency community and advocates of free expression.
Chris Pavlovski, the CEO of the free-speech video platform Rumble, reported that he left Europe safely soon after Pavel Durov’s apprehension.
In an Aug. 25 post on X , the CEO stated that the French government threatened Rumble and condemned the state authorities for their repression of free speech.
Magazine: Did Telegram’s Pavel Durov commit a crime? Crypto attorneys weigh in
