A French judicial authority rejected the request of the founder of Telegram, Pavel Durov, to go to Norway to participate in the Oslo Freedom Forum scheduled for Tuesday, May 27.
The decision prevents Durov from pronouncing a planned address on digital surveillance, free expression and online rights at the first conference on human rights.
The Foundation of Human Rights, which organizes the annual rally of activists, expressed its disappointment in the face of the decision of the Court which limits the Durov movement despite its invitation to speak before an international audience of defenders of freedom.
Pavel Durov faces continuous legal constraints
Thor Halvorssen, founder and CEO of Human Rights Foundation, criticized the judicial decision. “Technologies like Telegram are basic tools for those who resist tyranny. It is more than a disappointment for our community; It is a setback for freedom, ”said Halvorssen.
Pavel Durov, who created Telegram, has been subject to French legal proceedings since August 2024. The authorities have arrested him for allegations linked to the criminal activities carried out via his platform. However, prosecutors did not charge him with direct misdeeds.
The case focuses on questions of responsibility for the platform for the content and activities generated by users. French officials argue that Durov has legal responsibility for the way others use Telegram services. He remains free on bail while the case goes through the judicial system.
The tribunal’s refusal to allow the journey reverses the previous decisions. The French authorities had previously authorized Durov to leave the country for international commitments.
This unexpected restriction affected discussions between Durov and human rights defenders against various authoritarian states on improving the telegram capacities for resistance movements.
Durov has maintained the residence outside Russia since 2014, when he refused to provide the federal security service from Ukrainian demonstrators to the federal security service. His release from Russia established it as an eminent voice against digital surveillance and government interference in private communications.
