In a recent statement aimed at dispelling widespread speculation, French President Emmanuel Macron has addressed the arrest of Pavel Durov, the co-founder and CEO of Telegram, asserting that the detention was not politically motivated. Macron’s comments come amid a growing social media outcry, with the hashtag #FREEDUROV trending across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Telegram, following Durov’s arrest at Le Bourget airport near Paris.
Macron took to X to emphasize France’s unwavering commitment to freedom of speech, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He reaffirmed that in a country governed by the rule of law, these freedoms are not just valued but are actively protected within a legal framework. “In a state governed by the rule of law, freedoms are upheld within a legal framework, both on social media and in real life, to protect citizens and respect their fundamental rights,” Macron stated.
The arrest of Pavel Durov, who has become a symbol of digital privacy and free speech through his work with Telegram, has sparked significant controversy and concern among his supporters. Durov was detained at Le Bourget airport on Saturday evening upon his arrival from Azerbaijan, due to an existing warrant. The news of the arrest had an immediate effect on TONcoin falling by 20% quickly. TONcoin, the native token of The Open Network, is closely associated with Telegram.
President Macron was clear in his defense of the judiciary’s independence in handling the case. He said that Durov’s arrest was a result of ongoing judicial procedures and not a political maneuver. “It is up to the judiciary, in full independence, to enforce the law,” Macron stated.
The Russian Embassy in France quickly responded to news of Durov’s arrest, with the Russian Foreign Ministry confirming that they had intervened to understand the circumstances surrounding his detention. In a statement released via Facebook, the embassy expressed concern over the lack of cooperation from French authorities, stating that they had yet to receive detailed information on the reasons for Durov’s detention or secure consular access to him. Despite this, the embassy continues to engage with French officials and Durov’s legal team to resolve the matter.
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In the wake of Durov’s arrest, The Open Network Foundation (TF), a key player in the blockchain space, with deep integration into Telegram issued a statement to reassure the community. TF emphasized that the recent developments have not shaken the foundation of the TON ecosystem, which remains robust and fully operational.
The foundation reiterated its commitment to the principles of free speech and decentralization, which have been central to Durov’s vision for the internet. “Pavel has been a dedicated advocate for these values, and we believe his efforts to promote an open and decentralized internet will continue to inspire millions,” the statement read.
“The TON community remains focused on our mission, and we will continue our work to uphold these principles globally. We encourage everyone to stay calm, united, and to keep building as we navigate this situation together. Thank you for your continued support.”
As the situation unfolds, the international tech community and advocates for digital rights will be closely watching how Durov’s case progresses. The outcome could have significant implications not only for Durov and Telegram but also for broader discussions on the intersection of technology, privacy, and government regulation in the digital age.
