Telegram Founder Alleges French Role in Moldova Vote Censorship

Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, has accused French intelligence of exploiting his legal troubles to censor opposition channels ahead of Moldova's 2024 presidential elections. In his statement, Durov claimed that while he was detained in Paris, French intelligence contacted him through an intermediary, requesting the removal of specific Telegram channels related to Moldovan politics. He noted that after removing channels that violated Telegram's rules, he was informed that the intelligence agency would assist him positively in his legal proceedings if he complied with their demands. Durov maintains that Telegram insists on freedom of speech and will not bow to political pressures, refusing to act on later requests to remove channels simply expressing political dissent. The allegations arise amidst a broader context of rising governmental pressure against digital privacy in Moldova, with the pro-European party currently leading the elections, and claims of Russian interference also emerging as significant issues during this period. Durov highlighted that these tactics reflect a manipulation of judicial powers for political ends, which he indicates may also be seen in other Eastern European nations, like Romania.

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