France's arrest of Telegram CEO raises human rights concerns

Speaking at a press conference on September 3rd regarding the French arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the United Nations Human Rights Office, said: "This is a very complex case. It raises many concerns about human rights."

Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov. Photo: Reuters

She also cited the recent blocking of social media platform X in Brazil over alleged judicial violations, saying that this "raises similar concerns about the obligation of countries to ensure social media platforms comply with laws allowing free speech," but subject to certain restrictions.

She called for any restrictions imposed to be "proportionate" and "consistent with international human rights standards".

"It is currently difficult to obtain more specific information about the case and the charges against Durov, as the UN Human Rights Office does not have access to the full information," she said, adding that countries should regulate the platforms and that the platforms themselves must comply with laws consistent with international human rights law.

Earlier on August 24th, the head of the popular messaging app Telegram was unexpectedly arrested at Le Bourget airport on the outskirts of Paris, France. He was subsequently charged with a series of violations related to the messaging app. He was also banned from leaving France.

Ngoc Anh (according to AFP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/lien-hop-quoc-vu-phap-bat-ceo-telegram-day-len-moi-lo-ngai-ve-nhan-quyen-post310528.html