Telegram Founder Suggests French Involvement in Charlie Kirk Murder
Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, has expressed that the allegations suggesting French involvement in the assassination of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk are ‘entirely plausible’. This comes after right-wing commentator Candace Owens claimed that the killer of Kirk was trained with the French Legion. The suspect, Tyler James Robinson, a 22-year-old, has been formally charged with aggravated murder and related counts in the case. Durov made these comments in response to Owens’ claims, indicating that the idea of French involvement in the assassination is plausible.
During his X post, Durov highlighted that Owens’ information on French involvement in Kirk’s death is credible. Durov has a history of criticizing French authorities, particularly for their policies against free speech. Despite holding French citizenship, he has argued that his arrest over crimes linked to Telegram users is ‘legally and logically absurd’. The French government’s actions, according to Durov, are part of an ongoing crusade against free speech. This has been a consistent theme in his public statements, where he links his personal experiences with the French authorities to broader issues of free expression and government overreach.
In addition to his comments on the assassination, Durov also referenced his earlier interactions with French authorities, mentioning that he was detained at a Paris airport last year due to crimes linked to Telegram users. This incident, which he views as politically motivated, has contributed to his ongoing criticism of France. The French government’s actions, he argues, are part of a larger effort to suppress free speech on platforms operated by individuals like him. Durov’s statements suggest a deep-seated frustration with the French authorities and their approach to regulating online content.
Durov’s comments on the French government’s involvement in Kirk’s murder come in the context of his broader criticism of European policies toward free speech. His statements indicate that he sees a connection between his own legal challenges in France and the alleged actions of French authorities against Charlie Kirk. This perceived link, however, remains unproven, and Durov’s allegations are speculative. Despite this, his statements have drawn attention to ongoing debates about free speech, government intervention, and the role of international actors in such high-profile cases.