Moscow, August 25, 2024 – In a dramatic appeal, Russian Deputy Speaker Vladislav Davankov has called on Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to take immediate action following the unexpected arrest of Pavel Durov, the enigmatic founder of the widely-used messaging app Telegram.
Durov, who has often been described as a champion of digital privacy and free speech, was detained by French authorities at the Paris-Le Bourget airport under circumstances that have left many puzzled and concerned. Known for his strong stance against government surveillance, Durov’s arrest has sent ripples through both the tech world and political circles, with many fearing that the true motive behind his detention might be more sinister.
In a heartfelt message shared on his own Telegram channel, Davankov didn’t mince words. He warned that the arrest could be part of a larger political ploy aimed at pressuring Durov to hand over access to Telegram’s vast reservoir of user data. “This cannot be allowed,” Davankov asserted, echoing the fears of millions who rely on Telegram for secure communication.
The Russian Embassy in France has already jumped into action. Even before Davankov’s public plea, diplomats were reportedly working behind the scenes to gather information and ensure that Durov’s rights were being respected. The embassy’s proactive approach highlights the high stakes involved, not just for Durov, but for the principle of digital privacy itself.
Durov, a figure who has long walked a tightrope between innovation and resistance to authority, now finds himself at the center of a geopolitical storm. His refusal to bow to pressure from various governments has made him a hero to some and a target to others. For years, Durov has been an outspoken critic of any form of government overreach into personal data, a stance that has earned him both admiration and powerful enemies.
As news of his arrest spreads, many are left wondering what this means for the future of Telegram, a platform that has become indispensable for millions around the world. The coming days will be crucial, not just for Durov, but for the future of online privacy in an increasingly surveilled world.
This story is still developing, and all eyes are on the French authorities as well as the Russian diplomatic efforts to secure Durov’s release. For now, one thing is clear: the battle for digital freedom has just entered a new and uncertain chapter.
