Pavel Durov's Passport Returned, Crypto Community Celebrates Free Speech Victory

The Open Network (TON) Society celebrated the return of Pavel Durov's passport by French authorities, marking it as a significant victory for freedom of speech and anti-censorship. Durov, the founder of Telegram, was detained in France since August 2024, and his passport was returned on March 15, allowing him to freely leave the country. The TON Society, which has been vocal in its support for Durov, hailed his departure as a triumph for the principles of free expression and online privacy.

The TON Society had previously expressed its solidarity with Durov, condemning his detention and urging international bodies to intervene. In an August 27 letter, the organization stated that Durov's arrest was a direct assault on the basic human right of freedom of expression. The TON Society called on the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the European Union to push for Durov's release, emphasizing the importance of standing by one's principles even in the face of political and personal adversity.

Durov's departure from France was met with relief and celebration by free speech advocates in the crypto industry. The detention had raised concerns about the implications for privacy and decentralized technologies in the face of state pressure to censor the internet. Emmanuel Macron, the French President, had denied any political motivation behind Durov's arrest, claiming that France was committed to free speech. However, the crypto community and free speech advocates remained skeptical, viewing the detention as a crackdown on free expression.

The return of Durov's passport and his subsequent departure from France have been seen as a vindication of the principles that the TON Society and other advocates of free speech hold dear. The event underscores the ongoing struggle between state authorities and advocates of online privacy and free expression, highlighting the importance of standing up for these values in the face of adversity. The TON Society's celebration of Durov's departure serves as a reminder of the resilience of those who champion free speech and the potential for positive change when principles are upheld.