Kennedy Jr. labels Telegram founder's arrest as threat to free speech

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who recently withdrew from the US presidential race, has emphasized that protecting freedom of speech is more crucial than ever following the detention of Telegram founder Pavel Durov.

"France has just arrested Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of uncensored encrypted Telegram. The need to protect free speech has never been more pressing," Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wrote on X, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Pavel Durov was detained at a Paris airport on August 24, the border guards had a search warrant. 

According to TF1, French officials' concerns about the entrepreneur are related to Telegram's "lack of moderation and cooperation with law enforcement bodies." The government believes this makes Durov an "accomplice in drug trafficking, pedophilia, and fraud."   Durov faces up to 20 years in prison in France. A court hearing to determine his pre-trial detention is scheduled for August 25.