DISINFO: Durov arrest is an attempt to shut down Telegram app because it tells the truth
SUMMARY
It is obvious that the real reason for Pavel Durov's arrest is an attempt to shut down Telegram, an online platform where the truth about events happening in the world can be found. This raises objections from all those striving for freedom of speech and building a multipolar world.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin narrative about censorship and control of the media in the West. Accusations of censorship and attacks against freedom of expression are a recurring pro-Kremlin technique to defend the illicit actions of Russia’s state-sponsored disinformation outlets.
The arrest of Pavel Durov is part of a procedure accusing Telegram of complicity in numerous cases linked to drug trafficking, glorification of terrorism, and cyberbullying due to a lack of moderation and minimal cooperation with law enforcement authorities in France.
It is not connected in any way to alleged Russophobia, developments on the Ukrainian battlefield, or the myth of economic superiority of Russia despite sanctions. However, Russian state-controlled outlets and Telegram channels in Russian were panicked about this arrest given the role of the platform for strategic communications and its role in the Russian disinformation landscape.
The Russian publication Proekt investigated the narrow links between the Kremlin’s coordinated disinformation efforts and Telegram channels that are officially “independent” and for “freedom of speech”.
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