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France Denies Travel Permission for Telegram Founder Pavel Durov to Attend Human Rights Conference
PARIS, May 25 - The founder of the popular messaging app Telegram, Pavel Durov, has been barred from traveling from France to Norway to attend the Oslo Freedom Forum, organizers confirmed yesterday. Instead, the tech entrepreneur is expected to address the conference virtually.
The court's decision stems from Durov's detention in Paris in 2024 and a subsequent formal investigation over allegations of illegal content, such as child abuse material and drug trading, circulating on Telegram, reports stated. As a result of this ongoing legal proceeding, Durov remains under the scrutiny of French courts, preventing him from traveling without prior approval.
Durov, now 40, was due to deliver a speech on the subjects of free speech, surveillance, and digital rights at the event, which brings together advocates of human rights from around the world. The Human Rights Foundation, which organizes the Oslo Freedom Forum, said they were disappointed at Durov's inability to attend in person.
Thor Halvorssen, founder and CEO of the Human Rights Foundation, expressed his disapproval, stating, "Technologies like Telegram are invaluable tools for those seeking to resist tyranny. This decision is more than a disappointment for our community; it is a setback for freedom."
In addition to the legal constraints being applied to Durov, he has accused French intelligence officials of wanting him to censor pro-Russian and conservative content on Telegram before Romania's recent presidential elections. Specifically, Durov accuses Nicolas Lerner, head of France’s domestic intelligence agency, of demanding he mute conservative political voices on the platform. Durov turned down these demands and publicly condemned what he regarded as an effort to champion censorship under the guise of promoting democracy. French authorities have denied his allegations.
The denial of Durov's travel to Norway marks yet another restriction on his movements since his arrest, following previous incidents where he was prevented from traveling to the United States to speak with investment funds. The exact status of his current legal obligations in France remains unclear.
- French courts' ongoing investigation into illegal content on Telegram, including child abuse material and drug trading, has prevented Pavel Durov, founder of the messaging app Telegrsm, from traveling without prior approval.
- The tech entrepreneur was expected to speak on free speech, surveillance, and digital rights at the Oslo Freedom Forum, an event that brings together human rights advocates worldwide.
- Despite the court's decision, Durov has accused French intelligence officials of wanting him to censor pro-Russian and conservative content on Telegram, specifically mentioning Nicolas Lerner, head of France’s domestic intelligence agency, demanding he mute conservative political voices on the platform.
- The latest denial of Durov's travel to Norway adds to the restrictions on his movements, following previous incidents where he was prevented from traveling to the United States to speak with investment funds, creating further uncertainty regarding his current legal obligations in France.
