Free Pavel Durov: Stand Against False Accusations and Protect Freedom of Communication
The Issue
This petition is written by the developers of the DurovCrush web app in Telegram, who are deeply concerned about the unjust arrest of Pavel Durov. We, along with the undersigned, are calling for the immediate release of Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, who was unjustly arrested on August 24, 2024, in Paris at Le Bourget airport. The charges brought against him, including allegations of supporting terrorism, drug possession, fraud, money laundering, and more, are baseless and politically motivated. Pavel Durov's arrest is a direct attack on the principles of privacy, freedom of expression, and secure communication.
Context. Pavel Durov, a pioneer of digital privacy and freedom, created Telegram as a secure messaging platform to protect users from unwarranted surveillance and censorship. With over 700 million users worldwide, Telegram has become a vital tool for free communication, especially in regions where freedom of speech is under threat.
On August 24, 2024, while en route to another destination, Pavel Durov’s private jet made a routine stop for refueling at Le Bourget airport in Paris. Despite knowing the risks of his presence in France, Durov, accompanied by his wife and bodyguards, was confident that his innocence would be clear. However, he was met with an unexpected and unjust arrest based on false accusations.
The False Accusations. The charges against Durov are not only outrageous but also completely unfounded. These include:
- Supporting Terrorism. There is no credible evidence to support this claim. Telegram is a neutral platform that upholds privacy and free speech, and any misuse by individuals does not reflect on its founder.
- Drug Possession and Money Laundering. These allegations are fabricated to tarnish Durov’s reputation. His track record as an entrepreneur is clean, with no involvement in such criminal activities.
- Possession of Pedophile Content. This heinous accusation is a smear tactic to discredit a man who has always stood for the protection of individual rights and freedoms.
- Fraud and Receiving Stolen Goods. Again, these charges are baseless. Durov’s business dealings have always been transparent and lawful.
These accusations appear to be part of a larger agenda to weaken encrypted communication platforms like Telegram that empower individuals against surveillance and control.
Why This Matters? Pavel Durov’s arrest is not just an attack on one individual; it is an attack on all who value privacy, freedom of speech, and secure communication. If these charges stand, it will set a dangerous precedent, allowing governments to stifle dissent and control information by targeting those who provide the means for free and private communication.
What We Demand? We demand the immediate release of Pavel Durov and the dismissal of all charges against him. We also call for the protection of encrypted communication platforms, which are vital for maintaining privacy and freedom in the digital age.
How You Can Help? Sign this petition to show your support for Pavel Durov and the principles of freedom and privacy that he stands for. Share this petition widely to raise awareness of this injustice and pressure the French authorities to correct this wrongful arrest. Time is of the essence—please forward this petition to as many concerned people as possible. There is very little time to act.
Pavel Durov’s arrest is a gross miscarriage of justice. Let’s unite to free him and safeguard the values of privacy, freedom of expression, and secure communication. Together, we can make a difference.
Sign the petition now, share it widely, and stand for freedom!
370
The Issue
This petition is written by the developers of the DurovCrush web app in Telegram, who are deeply concerned about the unjust arrest of Pavel Durov. We, along with the undersigned, are calling for the immediate release of Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, who was unjustly arrested on August 24, 2024, in Paris at Le Bourget airport. The charges brought against him, including allegations of supporting terrorism, drug possession, fraud, money laundering, and more, are baseless and politically motivated. Pavel Durov's arrest is a direct attack on the principles of privacy, freedom of expression, and secure communication.
Context. Pavel Durov, a pioneer of digital privacy and freedom, created Telegram as a secure messaging platform to protect users from unwarranted surveillance and censorship. With over 700 million users worldwide, Telegram has become a vital tool for free communication, especially in regions where freedom of speech is under threat.
On August 24, 2024, while en route to another destination, Pavel Durov’s private jet made a routine stop for refueling at Le Bourget airport in Paris. Despite knowing the risks of his presence in France, Durov, accompanied by his wife and bodyguards, was confident that his innocence would be clear. However, he was met with an unexpected and unjust arrest based on false accusations.
The False Accusations. The charges against Durov are not only outrageous but also completely unfounded. These include:
- Supporting Terrorism. There is no credible evidence to support this claim. Telegram is a neutral platform that upholds privacy and free speech, and any misuse by individuals does not reflect on its founder.
- Drug Possession and Money Laundering. These allegations are fabricated to tarnish Durov’s reputation. His track record as an entrepreneur is clean, with no involvement in such criminal activities.
- Possession of Pedophile Content. This heinous accusation is a smear tactic to discredit a man who has always stood for the protection of individual rights and freedoms.
- Fraud and Receiving Stolen Goods. Again, these charges are baseless. Durov’s business dealings have always been transparent and lawful.
These accusations appear to be part of a larger agenda to weaken encrypted communication platforms like Telegram that empower individuals against surveillance and control.
Why This Matters? Pavel Durov’s arrest is not just an attack on one individual; it is an attack on all who value privacy, freedom of speech, and secure communication. If these charges stand, it will set a dangerous precedent, allowing governments to stifle dissent and control information by targeting those who provide the means for free and private communication.
What We Demand? We demand the immediate release of Pavel Durov and the dismissal of all charges against him. We also call for the protection of encrypted communication platforms, which are vital for maintaining privacy and freedom in the digital age.
How You Can Help? Sign this petition to show your support for Pavel Durov and the principles of freedom and privacy that he stands for. Share this petition widely to raise awareness of this injustice and pressure the French authorities to correct this wrongful arrest. Time is of the essence—please forward this petition to as many concerned people as possible. There is very little time to act.
Pavel Durov’s arrest is a gross miscarriage of justice. Let’s unite to free him and safeguard the values of privacy, freedom of expression, and secure communication. Together, we can make a difference.
Sign the petition now, share it widely, and stand for freedom!
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Petition created on August 24, 2024