Edward Snowden, the former U.S. intelligence official now residing in Russia, has voiced his support for Telegram founder Pavel Durov, condemning his arrest as a direct assault on basic human rights, including freedom of speech and association.
The arrest of @Durov is an assault on the basic human rights of speech and association. I am surprised and deeply saddened that Macron has descended to the level of taking hostages as a means for gaining access to private communications. It lowers not only France, but the world.
— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) August 25, 2024
Snowden criticized French President Emmanuel Macron, accusing him of effectively taking Durov hostage. This arrest, Snowden argues, represents a broader attack on the rights of individuals to communicate freely and associate without fear of government reprisal.