Rumble CEO Pavlovski exits Europe amid Durov’s detention crisis
A person holds a phone in front of the Rumble emblem, a platform founded in 2013 as an alternative to YouTube. (Photo via The Guardian)
After the detention of Telegram founder Pavel Durov in France, another social media CEO, said that freedom of expression is under threat in Europe and announced his safe exit from Europe.
Chris Pavlovski, CEO of Rumble—a platform known for its advocacy of free speech—has also come under European scrutiny. Pavlovski has announced his exit from Europe, citing threats to freedom of expression.
Pavlovski, “Rumble will not stand for this behavior and will use every legal means available to fight for freedom of expression, a universal human right. We are currently fighting in the courts of France, and we hope for Pavel Durov’s immediate release,” said on social media platform X.
On the other hand, Elon Musk was also seen supporting Pavlovski. In a post on X, Pavlovski implied that only social media platforms X and Rumble survived, to which Musk responded by quoting him and saying “Yes”.
Pavel Durov, the 39-year-old Russian billionaire and founder of the globally recognized messaging app Telegram, was detained late yesterday at Le Bourget Airport in France, where he had arrived on his private jet.
Russia sends a note over Durov’s detention
Meanwhile, in the wake of Pavel Durov’s detention, Russia has swiftly reacted. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally addressed France through an official note regarding Durov’s arrest.
The specific reasons behind Durov’s detention remain unclear, but the response in Russia has been intense.
Russian Deputy Maria Butina has branded him a “victim of the West,” leading to Russia’s formal note to France.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova spoke to “Rossiya-24,” revealing that the Russian Embassy in Paris had reached out to French authorities, stating, “A note was sent to France demanding access to Durov.”
French media reports indicate that Durov’s detention is linked to a preliminary investigation concerning allegations that Telegram facilitated criminal activities due to inadequate moderation and lack of cooperation with law enforcement.
