Archive · 19 May 2025
Durov Claims French Spy Chief Asked to Ban Romanian Voices
The boss of Telegram, Pavel Durov, said the head of French intelligence, Nicolas Lerner, asked him to stop Romanian conservatives from sharing opinions before their election.
Durov refused, saying he supports free speech.
France denies this.
This happened around the time of the Romanian presidential election, where a centrist candidate won.
The French intelligence agency met with Durov, but they deny asking him to censor anyone.
Elon Musk reposted Durov's claims, and the French government said they didn't interfere.
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov says French intelligence asked him to censor conservative voices.
Durov refused the request, citing free speech principles.
The French government and DGSE deny the allegations.
The incident occurred before the Romanian presidential election.
The election saw a centrist candidate, Nicușor Dan, win.
- Who
- Pavel Durov, Nicolas Lerner, and the French Foreign Ministry.
- What
- Telegram CEO Pavel Durov claimed French intelligence requested he censor conservative voices.
- When
- Spring of this year, before the Romanian presidential election.
- Where
- Paris, France and Romania
- Why
- Allegedly to censor conservative voices.
French Government's Perspective
Telegram CEO's Perspective
Alleged Interference
French Government's Perspective
Denies making any requests to censor content or interfere in the Romanian elections.
Telegram CEO's Perspective
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov claims French intelligence requested he censor conservative voices in Romania.
- Telegram CEO
- Pavel Durov
- Head of French Intelligence
- Nicolas Lerner
- Country Accused
- France
- Event in Question
- Romanian presidential election
- Winner of the Romanian Election
- Nicușor Dan
