Key Takeaways:
- Arrest and Cyberattacks: French authorities arrested Telegram founder Pavel Durov, coinciding with cyberattacks on key government websites, reportedly linked to a Russian hacker group.
- Backlash Over Arrest: President Macron defended the arrest, claiming it wasn’t politically motivated, but faced criticism from free speech advocates and the crypto community.
- Calls for Release: Figures like Vitalik Buterin and Elon Musk have demanded Durov’s release, citing concerns over communication freedom in Europe.
French authorities are facing criticism after the arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov, which coincided with cyberattacks on several government websites, including the Administrative Court of Paris and the French Health Department.
These attacks, reportedly linked to a Russian hacker group, led to the disruption of critical websites.
HACKERS BOMBARD FRANCE WITH DDOS ATTACKS
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) August 26, 2024
Hackers have hit French government websites with Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks in support of detained telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov.
The targets of the attacks included government platforms, public service portals,… pic.twitter.com/S3NOdpYhbA
President Macron defended the arrest, emphasizing it was not politically motivated and reaffirming France’s commitment to free speech.
However, his remarks drew backlash, especially from free speech advocates and the crypto community.
🚨 BREAKING: FRENCH GOVERNMENT WEBSITES HIT BY CYBER ATTACK AFTER TELEGRAM CEO'S ARREST
— JAKE (@JakeGagain) August 26, 2024
France is under cyber siege as government websites are targeted following the arrest of Telegram's CEO, Pavel Durov.
Over 24 hours in custody, Durov faces 12 charges.
At least two critical… https://t.co/xFVGgJ5TSK pic.twitter.com/jBwv8YINwO
Prominent figures like Vitalik Buterin and Elon Musk have called for Durov’s release, expressing concerns over the implications for software and communication freedom in Europe.
As of now, Durov remains in custody for questioning, with no formal charges or evidence of legal wrongdoing presented.