🚨 Pavel Durov Arrested 🚨

Here’s what it could mean for the US 🇺🇸, EU 🇪🇺, Ukraine 🇺🇦, and Russia 🇷🇺, according to a Ukrainian-US tech entrepreneur who has closely followed Telegram for over 15 months.

- French authorities issued an arrest warrant for Pavel Durov, citing non-cooperation with security forces and concerns over content moderation on Telegram. They allege that the platform has been linked to illegal activities such as drug trafficking, although Durov has consistently championed privacy and free speech as core values of Telegram.

- Free speech advocates, including Elon Musk and Tucker Carlson, are rallying behind Durov, framing his arrest as an attack on free expression. In recent years, Telegram has faced increasing pressure for content moderation, while it operates under UAE jurisdiction.

- French investigators are also probing possible ties between Durov and the Kremlin, despite his repeated denials of any Russian connections. Telegram has previously stated that it has no connection to Russia.

- Telegram has become an essential communication platform for millions, especially in regions where free speech is under threat, including Ukraine, Iran, and even parts of the Western world.

This is a famous photo of Telegram founder Pavel Durov giving Putin his middle finger.

In 2011, Durov said that the Russian government had requested him to cancel the accounts of anti-government figures on his social media platform. Durov not only did not follow, but also publicly released this photo of "raising the middle finger to Putin" in the media, which received cheers from the West.

After the 2014 Ukrainian coup, Durov refused to provide the Russian government with information on users involved in the Ukrainian colorful revolution. In the same year, he left Russia, claiming that Russia was "unable to keep up with the information age". Shortly after, he acquired French and UAE citizenship and stated that he had no plans to return to Russia.

Today, Durov was arrested by France on charges of using the platform to "support terrorist activities" and "pedophilia" after refusing to provide user information to the United States and Israel, facing 20 years of imprisonment.

Free speech is not a crime! #FreeDurov

We stand with you man ,
For 10 years, we have used Telegram's freedom of speech and now we are fighting for your freedom.

Free Pavel Durov
#Freedurov

you might have been using telegram for free for 10 years

When you need privacy, Telegram brought to you the Freedom of Speech

It’s time we thank its CEO by standing and saying out loud: #FREEDUROV

Those who are fighting for free speech are heroes

Telegram currently boasts 800 million monthly active users and is projected to reach 1 billion by the end of 2024. Here's a closer look at the platform's impressive stats:

- 55.2 million people use Telegram daily.
- India leads with an estimated user base of 104 million, the largest in the world.
- 15 billion messages are sent on Telegram every day.
- The app has been downloaded over 1 billion times globally.
- The average Telegram user spends about 2.9 hours on the app each month.
- Telegram's current valuation stands at approximately $30 billion.
- Recently, Telegram raised $210 million through bond sales to support its continued growth.

PAVEL DUROV explains why he does not own any major assets despite his immense wealth!

Meanwhile X censors Telegram hashtag after CEO arrested in France.

This is so awesome.

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An appeal to the dissident right from the Russian opposition about the arrest of Pavel Durov

The political class is waging a global war against the people. It’s not just Pavel who came under attack in France last night; it’s our privacy and freedom of speech.

And of course, they’re not going to stop at Pavel. Just like they didn't stop at Julian Assange, and Aaron Swartz. Because they’re not after Telegram alone. The entire infrastructure of freedom is under attack.

Before Elon Musk took over Twitter, Telegram was the only refuge for the dissident right.

Now Telegram needs your help.

I implore the global right to apply their resources to support Pavel Durov. We have what it takes to save Telegram and finally start winning.

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So it appears that Pavel Durov is accused of using cryptography without a license.

press release from the Tribunal de Paris, related to Telegram.

"How beautiful are the natural gestures of bestowing grace, of blessing, of loving understanding, of noble modesty, of virginal purity, in contrast to the expression and gesture of the selfish, narrow-minded, stingy, malicious, violent!"

Walter F. Otto

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Tolerance is not a virtue.

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Victory favors those who embrace the struggle—Ares rewards only the fierce and unyielding.