Following the controversial arrest of Pavel Durov in France over the weekend, a wave of support has emerged from various celebrities and public figures. Notable names such as Elon Musk, Robert F. Kennedy, Vitalik Buterin, and Tucker Carlson have voiced their support for Durov amidst the legal turmoil he currently faces.
The arrest of Durov has not only stirred up support from celebrities but has also had a significant impact on the cryptocurrency market. The native token of the TON (Telegram Open Network) project, which is closely affiliated with Telegram, experienced a sharp decline of over 20% following the news of Durov’s arrest. This turbulence indicates the close connection between Durov’s legal issues and the crypto market.
The TON team, along with many supporters, have emphasized the importance of free speech and decentralization in the online world. In a statement, the team expressed their unwavering support for Durov, highlighting his dedication to promoting an open and decentralized internet. The rallying cry for “Free Pavel” echoes the sentiment of those who believe in protecting free speech rights in the face of censorship.
While the support for Durov has been overwhelming, there are voices of criticism and concern amidst the controversy. Ethereum co-founder, Vitalik Buterin, revealed that he had previously criticized Telegram for its lax approach to encryption. However, he acknowledged the severity of Durov’s arrest and the implications it has for online privacy and freedom of speech.
Tucker Carlson, a prominent US journalist and political commentator, issued a stark warning about the chilling effect of Durov’s arrest on platform owners. He pointed out that it was a western country, not Russia or Putin, that arrested Telegram’s CEO for allowing free speech. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for those who resist government pressure to censor information and uphold free speech values.
The outcry for Pavel Durov reflects a larger battle for free speech and online freedom in the digital age. The support from celebrities and public figures underscores the importance of standing up against censorship and government overreach. As Durov navigates through this challenging time, the rallying cry for “Free Pavel” continues to resonate among those who advocate for an open and decentralized internet.
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