Russian-born entrepreneur and founder of the popular messaging app Telegram, Pavel Durov, has been released on a €5 million bail after being placed under formal investigation by French authorities. Durov, who was arrested in Paris earlier this week, has been forbidden to leave France as the investigation continues.
The charges against Durov have not been made public, however, reports suggest that they are related to his anti-Kremlin stance and the use of Telegram by opposition groups in Russia. Durov, who is known for his vocal criticism of the Russian government, has faced criticism and pressure from Russian authorities in the past.
The release on bail comes as a relief to Durov and his supporters, as the charges against him were seen as an attempt to silence his dissenting voice. Telegram, which boasts over half a billion users worldwide, has been used by activists and dissidents in countries with strict censorship laws to communicate securely.
Durov’s arrest and subsequent release have raised concerns about freedom of speech and press freedom in France, as well as the influence of authoritarian regimes on European soil. The investigation into Durov’s activities is ongoing, and many are watching closely to see how it will unfold.
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