Elon Musk, Vitalik Buterin, RFK Rally for Free Speech After Pavel Durov Arrest in France

Following Pavel Durov arrest in France, prominent figures like Elon Musk, Vitalik Buterin, and Robert F. Kennedy have voiced their support for the Telegram founder, emphasizing the growing threats to free speech. The incident has sparked widespread concern within the tech and crypto communities.

The arrest of Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, in France has sparked an outpouring of support from high-profile figures across various sectors. Durov, who was detained at Bourget Airport near Paris, faces severe charges, including money laundering, complicity in terrorism, and failure to moderate content on his messaging platform. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the tech and crypto communities, particularly affecting Toncoin (TON), a cryptocurrency closely associated with Telegram. TON’s value dropped by more than 20% after news of Durov’s arrest broke, falling from over $6.75 to under $5.4.

Support from Tech and Political Leaders

Elon Musk, a long-time advocate of free speech, was among the first to express his support for Durov, tweeting the hashtag “#FreePavel.” In his typical sarcastic tone, Musk later added, “POV: It’s 2030 in Europe and you’re being executed for liking a meme,” highlighting his concerns about increasing censorship in Europe.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who recently exited the US presidential race, also weighed in, stressing the critical need to protect free speech. His comments echo the sentiments of many who see Durov’s arrest as a dangerous precedent.

US journalist and political commentator Tucker Carlson, who interviewed Durov earlier this year, pointed out the irony of Durov being arrested by a Western country rather than by Russia, often criticized for its stance on free speech. Carlson noted, “Pavel Durov sits in a French jail tonight, a living warning to any platform owner who refuses to censor the truth at the behest of governments and intel agencies.”

Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, also expressed his concerns. While he had previously criticized Telegram for not being serious enough about encryption, Buterin noted that the charges against Durov appear to stem from Telegram’s refusal to moderate content or surrender user data. “This looks very bad and worrying for the future of software and comms freedom in Europe,” Buterin stated.

The Free Pavel Movement

The arrest has ignited the “Free Pavel” movement on social media, with many users rallying behind Durov and calling for his release. The TON community, deeply connected to Telegram, has remained steadfast in its support, emphasizing the importance of free speech and decentralization.

The TON team issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter), reaffirming their commitment to these values:

“The TON community remains strong and fully operational. We stand firmly by Pavel during this challenging time and believe his efforts to promote an open and decentralized internet will continue to inspire millions.”

As the situation unfolds, the arrest of Pavel Durov is likely to remain a focal point in the ongoing debate over free speech, digital privacy, and government control in the digital age.

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