French Court Blocks Pavel Durov’s Travel Plans as Censorship Debate Heats Up
French judges throw a wrench in Telegram founder’s itinerary—just as free speech advocates cry foul over growing censorship.
The move sparks fresh debates: Is this about justice or silencing dissent? Meanwhile, traditional finance giants quietly tighten their grip—because nothing says ’democracy’ like centralized control.
TLDR
- A French court has blocked Pavel Durov from traveling to the Oslo Freedom Forum in Norway.
- The Human Rights Foundation confirmed that Pavel Durov will now deliver his keynote speech through a livestream.
- The decision comes amid ongoing legal restrictions placed on Pavel Durov within French jurisdiction.
- French authorities reportedly requested that Pavel Durov censor political content related to Romania’s elections.
- Durov refused the request, calling it interference and naming French intelligence chief Nicolas Lerner as responsible.
Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov will not attend the Oslo Freedom Forum in person after a French court denied his travel request. The Human Rights Foundation confirmed that Durov will deliver his keynote remotely through a livestream. This development follows legal restrictions currently placed on Durov within French jurisdiction.
The Oslo Freedom Forum, hosted in Norway, gathers global voices for human rights and civil liberties. Organizers had planned for Durov to present in person during the high-profile event. However, French judicial authorities prohibited his physical attendance despite appeals for clearance.
The Human Rights Foundation expressed disappointment over the ruling, stating Durov’s presence is vital in ongoing free speech debates. Despite the travel block, Pavel Durov will proceed with his speech via digital means. Due to his current legal and political context, the session is expected to draw international attention.
French Intelligence Pressured Pavel Durov To Censor
Pavel Durov remains under scrutiny in France due to recent allegations involving political censorship requests by French intelligence services. According to Durov, French authorities approached him with demands to restrict content ahead of Romania’s upcoming elections. These requests reportedly came during a private meeting in Paris earlier this year.
French officials allegedly pressured Durov to block conservative-aligned voices on Telegram before the Romanian vote. The Telegram founder stated that he refused these demands and viewed them as unjustified interference. He later identified Nicolas Lerner, the French intelligence chief, as the official behind the request.
Durov disclosed the incident through social media posts dated May 18, which have since circulated widely. He argued that such interference undermines democratic processes and violates basic rights. This confrontation has intensified scrutiny over France’s role in influencing digital platforms.
Many thanks to @ThorHalvorssen and the Human Rights Foundation for inviting me to speak at the Oslo Freedom Forum next week. I’m doing my best to join you at @osloff — let’s see if I’m able to. pic.twitter.com/zNp8DQM2uD
— Pavel Durov (@durov) May 20, 2025
Pavel Durov Stands Firm on Free Speech
Despite mounting legal and political pressure, Pavel Durov reiterated Telegram’s refusal to engage in political censorship. He emphasized that the platform has not restricted protestors in authoritarian regimes and WOULD not change its stance in Europe. Durov said Telegram would rather leave the market than compromise on human rights.
This commitment has shaped Telegram’s approach in countries facing political unrest and continues influencing its global policies. Durov maintains that censoring political views violates international norms of freedom and expression. He insists that the platform operates independently of state directives.
