Russia opens criminal case against Telegram founder for "aiding terrorism"

Russian state media have reported that a criminal case has been opened against Telegram founder Pavel Durov under an article related to aiding terrorist activity.

Source: Mezha, a technology and IT news platform within Ukrainska Pravda's holding company

Details: Russia claimed that Telegram is used to prepare crimes, including terrorist attacks, and that the platform's administration does not respond to requests from Russian law enforcement authorities. No specific details of the case or official procedural documents have been provided.

The accusations are also linked to Durov's public reaction to the slowing down of Telegram's operations in Russia and attempts to promote the state-backed messenger Max. In state media coverage, his statements are portrayed as a threat to socio-political stability.

As examples of the messenger's alleged use for criminal purposes, the reports cite high-profile terrorist attacks and political assassinations. However, no evidence has been presented linking the company to those incidents.

The articles also repeat claims of Telegram's purported selective cooperation with various governments, including allegations that requests from Russian authorities go unanswered. Restrictions on Telegram's operations in Russia began to intensify in early February.

In 2024, Durov was detained in France on suspicion of financial crimes and illegal activity on the platform. He later said he was ready to cooperate with law enforcement authorities in different countries within the framework of the law.

Durov commented on the criminal case against him: "Russia has opened a criminal case against me for 'aiding terrorism'. Each day, the authorities fabricate new pretexts to restrict Russians' access to Telegram as they seek to suppress the right to privacy and free speech. A sad spectacle of a state afraid of its own people."

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