Durov's arrest is a blow to human rights and freedom of expression [OPINION]

If respect for democratic values ​​is defined as a criterion by the West, should the leadership of X and Meta be arrested?

Why is France, a member of the European Union that teaches the world about human rights, silent on such repressive measures? Why does the EU not comment?

And what about the US State Department? If such a situation had occurred in Azerbaijan, there would not have been a single Western official circle or institution that would not have made a statement.

Yes, some points in Telegram are disturbing. But the demand for respect for human rights and freedoms and compliance with business principles should not be regulated by such repressive methods. At the very least, the West must show that it remains true to its self-proclaimed principles. Without this, it would be wrong for the US and the EU to comment on this or that event in the context of democracy and human rights in any country.

As reported yesterday, the founder and inventor of the popular messaging application “Telegram”, Pavel Durov, was arrested at the French airport “Le Bourget”.

The 39-year-old businessman was accompanied by his bodyguard and a woman.

Durov could be accused of several crimes, including terrorism, drug smuggling, fraud, money laundering and receiving stolen goods. According to French media, he faces up to 20 years in prison.

It should be noted that Durov received citizenship of the United Arab Emirates in February 2021 and French citizenship in August.

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