Over 300,000 Signatures Supporting the Release of Telegram CEO

Users can sign the petition through a mini-application accessible via Telegram. This app was launched on Tuesday by TON Society, the organization behind the TON blockchain.

“The arrest of [Durov] is a direct attack on fundamental human rights, particularly the freedom of speech,” TON Society stated in the letter. The organization condemned Durov’s arrest, which took place over the weekend at an airport in Paris.

According to a statement released by the Paris Judicial Court on Monday, Durov was detained as part of a broader investigation into cybercrime, including allegations of providing “cryptographic” services and tools.

“TON Society is a community-driven organization focused on decentralizing the TON blockchain,” the group told The Block. “With this initiative, we are making it clear that freedom of speech is not a crime! Pavel Durov should be released immediately.”

Prominent figures in the cryptocurrency space have also voiced their support for Durov, including Elon Musk, TRON founder Justin Sun, and Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko.

Telegram, which boasts around 1 billion users worldwide, has not disclosed how many of these users are bots.

The detention of Pavel Durov has sparked a wave of outrage and concern among digital rights advocates and the broader tech community. Many see this as a worrying precedent for the treatment of tech leaders and innovators who advocate for privacy and decentralized technologies. The rapid mobilization of support, particularly from within the cryptocurrency and blockchain sectors, underscores the high stakes involved.

This incident also highlights the growing tension between governments and tech companies, especially those that prioritize user privacy and data security. As the situation unfolds, the global tech community watches closely, understanding that the outcome may have far-reaching implications for the future of digital rights and freedoms.