Durov says Telegram refused request to interfere in Romanian elections

Telegram founder Pavel Durov stated that he firmly rejected a request from one of Western Europe’s influential governments to remove certain “conservative voices” ahead of Romania’s presidential runoff election. He shared this in his personal Telegram channel.

Request to block “conservative voices”

According to Durov, on Sunday, May 18, ahead of Romania’s second-round vote, one Western European government asked Telegram to block channels of conservative political groups. In response, he wrote:

“I firmly refused. Telegram does not restrict Romanian users' freedom of speech. Political channels will not be blocked.”

A hint at France?

Although he did not name the country, Durov added the phrase “guess which one” and a baguette emoji — widely interpreted as a reference to France.

Later, Durov confirmed that in the spring of this year, he rejected a similar request from France’s foreign intelligence chief Nicolas Lerner regarding the suppression of conservative voices in Romania.

Criticism under the guise of “defending democracy”

Durov commented on the situation as political manipulation and hypocrisy:

“You can’t defend democracy by destroying it. You can’t fight election interference by interfering in elections. You either have freedom of speech and fair elections — or you don’t. The Romanian people deserve both.”

From Zamin.uz editorial:
Durov’s statement once again illustrates how the global struggle for free speech and transparent elections is under serious political pressure. It also reinforces Telegram’s commitment to neutrality and openness. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!