The #FreeDurov neighborhood, led by the TON Society, has known as on France to launch Telegram founder Pavel Durov, who was arrested by French authorities on Aug. 25.
The neighborhood printed an open letter on Aug. 27 describing the arrest as a direct assault on freedom of expression and privateness rights and urging worldwide our bodies to problem France’s actions.
French police arrested Durov at Le Bourget Airport, north of Paris, on the night time of Aug. 25. Following practically 48 hours of restricted communication, the French Prosecutor’s Workplace issued a press release detailing a sequence of grave costs in opposition to him. His detention was prolonged and will last as long as 96 hours.
Arrest condemned
The #FreeDurov neighborhood condemned the arrest, arguing that it undermined Durov’s long-standing dedication to securing freedom of expression for over 950 million Telegram customers worldwide.
The letter asserted that it was inconceivable to ensure safe communication for some whereas excluding others, highlighting Durov’s perception that safety have to be common.
It additionally responded to the allegations regarding Telegram’s moderation insurance policies and maintained that the platform adhered to EU legal guidelines, together with the Digital Companies Act. The society argued that Telegram’s moderation insurance policies met business requirements and continued to evolve.
The letter additionally highlighted that regardless of dealing with comparable challenges, no different social media platform chief has been arrested, elevating issues inside the neighborhood about Durov’s selective concentrating on.
Violation of human rights
The #FreeDurov neighborhood expressed specific concern that the arrest may sign an try by the French authorities to entry consumer communications, probably violating the rights to freedom of expression and privateness.
The letter pointed to the European Conference on Human Rights, to which France is a signatory, emphasizing that these rights have been protected underneath the conference.
It additionally cited a ruling by the European Court docket of Human Rights within the CASE OF PODCHASOV v. RUSSIA, which affirmed that encryption was important for shielding elementary rights, together with freedom of expression.
The #FreeDurov neighborhood urged France to evaluate its native legal guidelines to make sure full compliance with the European Conference on Human Rights and to launch Durov instantly.
The letter additionally known as on worldwide organizations, together with the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the European Union, to intervene and uphold the basic proper to liberty on-line.
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