• bitcoinBitcoin (BTC) $ 42,977.00 0.18%
  • ethereumEthereum (ETH) $ 2,365.53 1.12%
  • tetherTether (USDT) $ 1.00 0.2%
  • bnbBNB (BNB) $ 302.66 0.19%
  • solanaSolana (SOL) $ 95.44 1.28%
  • xrpXRP (XRP) $ 0.501444 0.1%
  • usd-coinUSDC (USDC) $ 0.996294 0.34%
  • staked-etherLido Staked Ether (STETH) $ 2,367.26 1.4%
  • cardanoCardano (ADA) $ 0.481226 2.68%
  • avalanche-2Avalanche (AVAX) $ 34.37 1.19%
  • bitcoinBitcoin (BTC) $ 42,977.00 0.18%
    ethereumEthereum (ETH) $ 2,365.53 1.12%
    tetherTether (USDT) $ 1.00 0.2%
    bnbBNB (BNB) $ 302.66 0.19%
    solanaSolana (SOL) $ 95.44 1.28%
    xrpXRP (XRP) $ 0.501444 0.1%
    usd-coinUSDC (USDC) $ 0.996294 0.34%
    staked-etherLido Staked Ether (STETH) $ 2,367.26 1.4%
    cardanoCardano (ADA) $ 0.481226 2.68%
    avalanche-2Avalanche (AVAX) $ 34.37 1.19%
image-alt-1BTC Dominance: 58.93%
image-alt-2 ETH Dominance: 12.89%
image-alt-3 BTC/ETH Ratio: 26.62%
image-alt-4 Total Market Cap 24h: $2.51T
image-alt-5Volume 24h: $144.96B
image-alt-6 ETH Gas Price: 5.1 Gwei
 

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Pavel Durov interview

Pavel Durov interview reveals mystery behind French arrest and free speech battle

Rami Al-Saadi

Pavel Durov interview sheds light on his unexpected arrest in France and its wider implications on digital freedom.

The Telegram founder shared his confusion and frustration in a detailed conversation with Tucker Carlson. This was his first public appearance since being detained at Bourget Airport near Paris on August 24, 2024. French prosecutors indicted Durov on six charges, including money laundering and facilitating illicit content. However, Durov claims these accusations are not only baseless but also politically motivated.

The Pavel Durov interview showed his disbelief at being treated like a criminal while running one of the world’s largest tech platforms. Telegram, he explained, operates in nearly 200 countries with strong legal compliance and oversight. Despite this, French authorities reportedly accused him of ignoring legal requests — an allegation he flatly denied.

Telegram’s Global Footprint Raises Questions

Telegram’s reach and encryption features have made it popular, especially among communities concerned with surveillance. According to Durov, the app spends millions every quarter to stay compliant with local laws. The Pavel Durov interview emphasized that Telegram is routinely audited and cooperates with global financial institutions.

Still, authorities in France believed Telegram wasn’t doing enough to moderate illicit activity. Durov said French prosecutors issued public press statements — an unusual move that suggested a desire to humiliate him. Even his lawyers found the case strange, considering how the process deviated from typical legal norms.

In the Pavel Durov interview, the Telegram founder maintained his innocence. He believes the charges are based on an “extensive interpretation” of complicity. Durov noted that Telegram had responded to all legally binding requests it received. He claimed that due process was not followed, suggesting political pressure may be involved.

The arrest seems to contradict Telegram’s reputation for neutrality and its mission to support freedom of speech. Durov even mentioned that Telegram might exit countries that do not align with these core values. This stance has only gained support among users. Over nine million signed a petition calling for his release.

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Telegram’s Free Speech Stand Gains Momentum

Telegram reached one billion monthly users as of March 2025. Despite ongoing scrutiny, the Pavel Durov interview shows the platform is not backing down. Durov’s willingness to speak publicly marks a new chapter in his defense, not just of himself, but of open internet principles.

Carlson described the arrest as a “humiliation campaign,” calling out the silence of civil libertarians. Durov appeared calm yet determined, standing by Telegram’s record and ethics.

If anything, the Pavel Durov interview proved that the battle for digital freedom is far from over.

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Why was Pavel Durov arrested in France?

Pavel Durov was arrested at Bourget Airport near Paris in August 2024. French prosecutors charged him with six serious offenses, including complicity in criminal activity, refusal to respond to authorities, and money laundering. The charges also involve Telegram’s limited moderation features, which allegedly enabled illicit content. However, Durov has claimed in a recent interview that Telegram operates with high compliance standards, cooperates with international legal processes, and that these charges are rooted in a political agenda rather than actual wrongdoing.

What did Durov reveal in the Tucker Carlson interview?

In the Pavel Durov interview with Tucker Carlson, he openly questioned the legitimacy of the arrest and the charges against him. He expressed confusion over why he was targeted, especially considering Telegram’s efforts to follow international law. Durov claimed French authorities never followed due process and acted in a way that seemed more about public humiliation than justice. He suggested that Telegram’s commitment to free speech may have played a role in provoking certain governments.

How did the Telegram community respond to Durov’s arrest?

The Telegram community strongly supported Durov after news of his arrest broke. According to the TON Community, more than 9 million users signed a letter calling for his release. This outpouring of support reflects not only trust in Durov but also widespread concern over the implications for digital privacy and free speech. The overwhelming user response highlights Telegram’s importance to communities seeking secure and censorship-resistant communication.

Will Telegram change its operations due to the French charges?

Durov suggested in his interview that Telegram may reconsider operating in countries that do not respect freedom of speech or due process. While the platform remains active globally, the founder made it clear that user rights are a priority. He stated that Telegram is willing to exit jurisdictions that conflict with its values. This proactive stance reinforces Telegram’s reputation as a platform committed to user privacy and digital rights, even at the cost of losing market share.

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