Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov has publicly endorsed the allegations that the French government may have been involved in the assassination of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk, calling the claims ‘entirely plausible’. The Russian tech entrepreneur, known for his long-standing criticism of French authorities, has highlighted the potential connection between Kirk’s death and his previous calls for 300% tariffs on France following Durov’s arrest over offenses linked to Telegram users.
Durov, who holds French citizenship, has consistently accused French authorities of embarking on a ‘crusade’ against free speech, arguing that his arrest is ‘legally and logically absurd’. His comments come amid heightened tensions with French authorities, including his detention at Paris airport last year and recent accusations of promoting surveillance in the name of law enforcement. The allegations stem from right-wing commentator Candace Owens’ claims that Kirk’s assassin trained with the French Legion 13th Brigade with multi-state involvement.
The suspect, 22-year-old Tyler James Robinson, has been formally charged with aggravated murder and related counts in Kirk’s killing and is being held without bail as prosecutors indicate they may seek the death penalty. Durov’s post on X included a reference to Kirk’s social media post where he called for 300% tariffs on France unless charges against him were dropped.