In February, Russia intensified its efforts to control Telegram, revealing in a state-run newspaper that it was investigating billionaire Durov as part of a criminal case related to terrorism allegations.
Durov shared a copy of the summons he received via the Russian postal service on Telegram.
“The apartment in Russia where I lived 20 years ago received a summons for ‘Suspect P.V. Durov,'” he wrote.
“They must suspect me of defending Articles 29 and 23 of the Russian Constitution — which ensure freedom of speech and the right to private correspondence. Proud to be guilty!”
Russian officials are attempting to obstruct Telegram, which boasts over 1 billion active users and is widely used in both Russia and Ukraine, while directing millions of Russians towards a state-sponsored alternative called MAX.
The app has consistently denied Russian claims that it serves as a safe haven for criminal activity and has been compromised by Western and Ukrainian intelligence services.
An official state newspaper, Rossiyskaya Gazeta, published an article in February, claiming to be “based on materials from Russia’s Federal Security Service,” accusing the app of being “a tool for hybrid threats.”
(Edited by : Vivek Dubey)
