The recent arrest of Pavel Durov in France has sparked a wave of support from various celebrities and well-known public figures. Among those who have voiced their solidarity with Durov include Elon Musk, Robert F. Kennedy, Vitalik Buterin, and Tucker Carlson.
CryptoPotato’s Report
According to a report by CryptoPotato, Durov was arrested in France over the weekend due to allegations that the popular messaging app he oversees failed to moderate its content effectively. The potential charges against him range from money laundering to complicity, terrorism, and narcotics offenses.
Following the news of Durov’s arrest, the cryptocurrency project TONcoin, closely associated with Telegram, saw a significant drop in its native token value. TON plummeted by more than 20%, falling from over $6.75 to under $5.4 in a short span of time.
Despite the turmoil, the team behind TONcoin reiterated its support for Durov and emphasized the importance of free speech. They highlighted Durov’s commitment to promoting an open and decentralized internet and expressed confidence in his ability to inspire millions.
Elon Musk, known for his vocal support of free speech, was quick to show support for Durov by sharing the hashtag “#FreePavel.” He also made a sarcastic remark about growing censorship in Europe, projecting a grim future scenario in his tweet.
Robert F. Kennedy, who recently withdrew from the US presidential race and backed Donald Trump, underscored the significance of safeguarding free speech in light of Durov’s arrest. Tucker Carlson, a prominent US journalist, criticized the action taken against Durov, highlighting the threat to free speech in the face of authoritarian measures.
Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum, admitted to previously criticizing Telegram for its encryption practices. However, given the circumstances of Durov’s arrest, Buterin acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and the need to reexamine his stance on the messaging platform.
The arrest of Pavel Durov has ignited a discourse on the importance of upholding free speech and the dangers of censorship. The overwhelming show of support from celebrities and public figures underscores the broader implications of Durov’s case for online freedom and privacy. As the story continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by advocates of decentralized communication platforms in an era of increasing government scrutiny.
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