The recent arrest of Pavel Durov in France has sparked a wave of support from various celebrities and well-known public figures. Among those showing their support are Elon Musk, Robert F. Kennedy, Vitalik Buterin, and Tucker Carlson. These high-profile individuals have come forward to express their solidarity with Durov in the face of his legal troubles.
Following Durov’s arrest, the cryptocurrency project closely associated with Telegram, known as TON, experienced significant turbulence. The native token of TON plummeted by more than 20% in value, dropping from over $6.75 to under $5.4. This sharp decline in value reflects the uncertainty surrounding the future of the project and its relationship with Durov.
Support for Free Speech
The team behind the TON project has made a public statement expressing their support for Durov and emphasizing the importance of free speech and decentralization. They have highlighted Durov’s dedication to these values and his efforts to promote an open and decentralized internet. The post reiterates the commitment of the TON community to standing by Durov during this challenging time.
Notable figures such as Elon Musk, Robert F. Kennedy, and Tucker Carlson have all voiced their support for Durov and the principles of free speech. Musk took to social media to declare his support with the hashtag “#FreePavel,” while Kennedy emphasized the importance of protecting free speech in the current political climate. Tucker Carlson criticized the arrest, pointing out that it was not carried out by Russia but by a Western country allied with the Biden administration and NATO.
Vitalik Buterin’s Perspective
Even Ethereum’s co-founder, Vitalik Buterin, weighed in on the situation, noting that he had previously been critical of Telegram for its encryption practices. However, Buterin acknowledged the seriousness of Durov’s arrest and the potential implications for the future of free speech and online privacy.
Overall, the growing support for Pavel Durov in the aftermath of his arrest highlights the importance of protecting fundamental rights such as free speech in an increasingly digital world. The solidarity shown by these celebrities and public figures underscores the significance of Durov’s advocacy for decentralization and open communication on the internet.