The Open Network (TON) Society, a group representing the TON community, has issued an open letter calling for the immediate release of Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov, who was arrested on August 24 at Le Bourget Airport in Paris.
In the letter, TON Society described Durov’s detention as a “direct assault on a basic human right” and criticized it as a violation of free speech principles.Â
The group argued that the actions of the French government go against the values of freedom and expression that Europe stands for.
The TON Society also called on international organizations like the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the European Union to step in and urge France to respect human rights.
Furthermore, the letter pointed out a European Court of Human Rights ruling, which stated that encryption tools, like those used by Telegram, are important for protecting freedom of expression.
The Society also called on other technology companies and social media platforms to stand against state-imposed censorship and protect the rights of their users. The letter noted that Telegram’s content moderation policies comply with the European Union’s Digital Services Act, demonstrating the platform’s adherence to regulatory standards.
Despite growing calls for his release, French authorities have decided to keep Durov in custody until August 28 as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations that a Telegram user was involved in illegal activities. This decision has been criticized by those who believe the French government is overstepping its bounds.
However French President Emmanuel Macron responded to the criticism by saying that Durov’s arrest is not politically motivated, but this has not eased the people’s concerns.
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