French Case Against Telegram CEO ‘Totally Absurd,’ Says His Lawyer

A Paris-based defense lawyer said the Durov case was the latest example of prosecutors seeking to curb freedom of speech and target encrypted networks.
French Case Against Telegram CEO ‘Totally Absurd,’ Says His Lawyer
Founder and CEO of Telegram Pavel Durov delivers a speech in Barcelona, Spain, on Feb. 23, 2016. Albert Gea/Reuters
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French defense lawyers are criticizing the legal argument for prosecuting Telegram CEO Pavel Durov after he was arrested and then released on 5 million euros ($5.5 million) bail and forbidden from leaving France.

Maud Marian, a Paris-based defense lawyer, said the Durov case is the latest example of French prosecutors seeking to curb freedom of speech and target encrypted networks.

Chris Summers
Chris Summers
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Chris Summers is a UK-based journalist covering a wide range of national stories, with a particular interest in crime, policing and the law.