Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Arrested in France

Pavel Durov, founder and CEO of Telegram, was arrested by French authorities on August 24 at Le Bourget airport, accused of failing to moderate the platform against various crimes, including drug trafficking and cyberbullying. The arrest drew support from prominent figures like Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who emphasized the importance of protecting free speech and criticized censorship practices. Durov, who has dual French and UAE citizenship, became a target for authorities due to Telegram's use in facilitating communication during the Russia-Ukraine war and previous accusations relating to terrorist activity in France. Musk highlighted the contrasting treatment of tech leaders, questioning why Mark Zuckerberg faced no similar repercussions for alleged censorship. Durov has defended Telegram's compliance with EU laws and has previously resisted government pressure to grant access to user data, positioning himself as a protector of individual freedoms. The situation has raised broader concerns about free speech in Europe amid increasing scrutiny of tech platforms.