- Durov arrest is a blow to free speech, according to Robert F. Kennedy (RFK Jr.)
- TON token plunged 20% after the arrest, erasing August recovery gains.
The crypto community and key public figures have condemned the arrest of Telegram chief and founder Pavel Durov. Durov was arrested in a French airport on Saturday evening on alleged claims linked to his encrypted messaging platform Telegram.
Following the arrest, former independent US presidential contender Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized that free speech was more urgent. He said,
‘France just arrested Pavel Durov, founder & CEO of the encrypted, uncensored Telegram platform. The need to protect free speech has never been more urgent.’
Durov’s arrest a warning to free world?
According to Tucker Carlson, a renowned media personality, Durov’s arrest was a warning to any platform that ‘fails to censor truth’ for governments and their intelligence agencies. He noted,
‘Pavel Durov sits in a French jail tonight, a living warning to any platform owner who refuses to censor the truth at the behest of governments and intel agencies. Darkness is descending fast on the formerly free world.’
Another user speculated that Durov could face up to 20 years for the alleged claims if convicted.
‘France is actually going to throw Telegram founder Pavel Durov in jail for up to 20 YEARS for refusing to censor the truth.’
However, it is worth noting that this was a developing story at the time of writing, and there were no details on Durov’s future or the alleged claims.
The Open Network [TON] is perhaps one of the most successful projects linked to the encrypted platform and the worst hit. Telegram has increasingly been the go-to platform for crypto projects and users.
The TON community issued a reassurance statement to users following Durov’s arrest. It stated,
‘Following the recent news related to the Telegram’s founder Pavel Durov, we want to assure everyone that the TON community remains strong and fully operational…We encourage everyone to stay calm, united, and to keep building as we navigate this situation together.’
TON was the largest casualty of the Durov’s update as the token erased almost all its recent August recovery gains. It tanked 20% and dropped from nearly $7 to $5.5.
The next price direction for TON could depend on the update on Durov’s situation.
Source: TON/USDT, TradingView