Russia’s Crackdown on Telegram Founder Reveals Kremlin’s Assault on Free Speech and Privacy

In a move emblematic of increasing authoritarian overreach, the Russian government has initiated a criminal investigation against Pavel Durov, the creator of the popular Telegram messaging app, accusing him of "aiding terrorism." This baseless charge is yet another stratagem by Moscow to suppress fundamental freedoms under the pretext of national security. Durov, who launched his career in Russia but now stands as a symbol for digital liberty worldwide, denounced these charges as fabricated pretexts aimed at restricting Russians' access to encrypted communication platforms. His condemnation highlights a disturbing trend: a state prioritizing control over its citizens’ right to privacy and...