After years of pressure on Durov, Russia suddenly rallies behind him.
Days after gunmen killed 145 concert-goers at a venue near Moscow in March, as allegations emerged that the assailants had been recruited on Telegram, the Kremlin issued a stern warning to its founder.
"We would expect more attention from Pavel Durov, because this unique and phenomenal resource ... is increasingly becoming a tool in the hands of terrorists," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
Five months later, as French prosecutors pursue an investigation into Telegram founder and boss Durov over the use of the messaging app for fraud, drug trafficking, money laundering and other forms of organised crime, Moscow has changed its public stance on the tech entrepreneur.
With some Russians now hailing Durov as a hero of free speech, Peskov said on Thursday that the case against him should "not turn into political persecution".
Days after gunmen killed 145 concert-goers at a venue near Moscow in March, as allegations emerged that the assailants had been recruited on Telegram, the Kremlin issued a stern warning to its founder.
"We would expect more attention from Pavel Durov, because this unique and phenomenal resource ... is increasingly becoming a tool in the hands of terrorists," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
Five months later, as French prosecutors pursue an investigation into Telegram founder and boss Durov over the use of the messaging app for fraud, drug trafficking, money laundering and other forms of organised crime, Moscow has changed its public stance on the tech entrepreneur.
With some Russians now hailing Durov as a hero of free speech, Peskov said on Thursday that the case against him should "not turn into political persecution".
11 months ago
