Free Pavel Durov: Elon Musk, RFK Jr, Other Celebrities Demand Release of Telegram CEO

As a seasoned crypto investor and ardent supporter of free speech, I find myself deeply troubled by the recent arrest of Pavel Durov in France. Having navigated the complex world of digital assets for years, I’ve seen firsthand how technology can empower individuals and foster innovation beyond borders.


As a crypto investor, I’ve been closely following the news about the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in France, which has sparked a whirlwind of debate and public outcry. Tech leaders, celebrities, and influential figures like Elon Musk and Andrew Tate have stepped forward to call for his release. Even political figures such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr, who recently suspended his presidential campaign to support Donald Trump, have entered the conversation. It’s an intriguing turn of events that has certainly grabbed my attention.

Industry Leaders & Public Figures Rally in Support

Following the detention of Pavel Durov, a significant surge of backing has arisen among tech moguls and famous personalities. Elon Musk, head of X (previously known as Twitter), has been particularly outspoken on this matter. Yesterday, on Sunday, Musk posted an older interview featuring Durov with American journalist Tucker Carlson online.

During the interview, Durov addressed accusations of threatening actions by the U.S. Government and the FBI. This made it apparent that Elon Musk was expressing his belief that Durov is being singled out for not yielding to governmental demands. Furthermore, Musk also voiced disapproval towards Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook, pointing out the inconsistency in how the authorities are dealing with this particular case.

In response to a tweet asking about the lack of scrutiny towards Zuckerberg regarding child predator accounts on Instagram, Musk commented:

“Since he’s given in to demands for censorship, it’s concerning that despite Instagram having a significant issue with child exploitation, Mark Zuckerberg has not been arrested. Instead, he suppresses free speech and provides governments with secret paths to users’ data.”

Simultaneously, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a notable champion for free expression, vocalized his indignation on X. At the moment of his arrest, he declared, “France has detained Pavel Durov, founder and CEO of the encrypted, uncensored Telegram platform. The importance of safeguarding free speech has never been more apparent.”

FreeDurov Campaign

In reaction to his arrest, Telegram initiated the #FreeDurov campaign, which has swiftly spread on social media networks. This movement has garnered backing from numerous celebrities and tech industry influencers. Additionally, Justin Sun, founder of Tron, proposed establishing a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) to aid in Pavel Durov’s legal battle.

As a researcher immersed in the DeFi sphere, I’ve made it clear that I’m willing to invest $1 million into this cause if there’s substantial backing from the community. Sun’s recent appeal underscores the robust connection between Telegram and the decentralized finance world. Furthermore, I’ve extended an invitation for support from Musk, but as of now, he hasn’t responded.

Beyond this, it’s worth noting that Memeland, the group behind Memecoin (MEME), recently disclosed their decision to transform $1 million from their reserves into Toncoin (TON), a digital currency associated with the Telegram platform. Memeland expressed their intention to “HODL until #FREEDUROV,” suggesting their unwavering support for Durov in the ongoing legal dispute. However, whispers about Apple potentially deleting the Telegram app have started circulating.

Pavel Durov’s Arrest & Allegations

On August 25, the high-profile arrest of Pavel Durov at Le Bourget airport near Paris created quite a stir within the tech community. This incident occurred as Durov stepped off his private aircraft. The arrest appears to be linked to an ongoing French investigation concerning accusations that Durov’s messaging platform, Telegram, may have been used to facilitate illegal activities.

As a researcher, I’m detailing an event where the French Air Transport Gendarmerie executed an operation based on a search warrant from the OFMIN of the French judicial police. In this instance, the CEO of Telegram was apprehended together with his bodyguard and an unidentified woman. The allegations against him are substantial.

This encompasses a variety of crimes like terrorism, narcotics trading, and money laundering. Furthermore, Pavel Durov faces allegations for disseminating illicit content, specifically material related to child exploitation. Moreover, French authorities have expressed apprehension about Telegram’s part in facilitating unlawful activities because of its weak moderation policies.

Investigators claim that Durov’s behavior, or lack thereof, has transformed Telegram into a sanctuary for organized crime, as reported by French news channel TF1. Additionally, his detention is perceived as an extension of a wider European initiative aimed at curbing secure messaging platforms suspected of aiding and abetting illegal activities.

Additionally, Andrew Tate voiced his concerns regarding France’s law enforcement. He stated, “Recall: Many migrants in France are involved in theft, robbery, assault, rape, and murder. They are often not imprisoned. Instead, they can be found on the streets of major cities. Yet, Pavel is behind bars for owning an app that alerts people about these incidents.”

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2024-08-26 11:40