Pavel Durov Responds After Russia Labels Him a “Terrorist”

Telegram founder Pavel Durov said Russian authorities branded him a “terrorist” after he turned down government requests for mass surveillance and censorship on the messaging app, speaking out a day after Moscow announced formal charges against him.

Durov Pushes Back on Internet Ban

Writing on Telegram Thursday, Durov said Russia had also barred him from publishing information online, adding that officials seemed confused about who actually has the authority to ban someone from the internet.

Charges Follow Earlier Investigation

The statement came a day after Russia’s Federal Security Service accused Durov of aiding terrorist activity, claiming Telegram failed to take down channels linked to terrorist groups and Ukrainian intelligence. The case builds on a criminal investigation Russia opened in February, when regulators alleged nearly 155,000 channels, chats and bots remained active despite violating laws on extremism, terrorism and drug trafficking.

Legal Troubles Span Multiple Countries

Russia’s move adds to Durov’s ongoing legal issues elsewhere. He was arrested in France in August 2024 and remains under investigation there over claims Telegram failed to moderate illegal content or cooperate with law enforcement, allegations he denies. France later lifted his travel restrictions. Telegram is now also facing court action in Australia over alleged failures to remove terrorism-related content. Durov has consistently positioned himself as an advocate for free speech and user privacy.