Rumble Founder Leaves Europe After Telegram Director’s Arrest

Chris Pawlowski, CEO and founder of Rumble, a platform promoting free speech as an alternative to YouTube, has announced that he has left Europe following the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov.

Pawlowski told Platform X that he left Europe due to the French authorities’ intention to take legal action against Rumble. Rumble previously blocked access in France after refusing to censor Russian news sources.

It criticised the French government’s actions against Durov, who was arrested over allegations that Telegram failed to moderate content related to illegal activities such as drug trafficking and terrorism. Durov could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison if found guilty.

Pawlowski vowed that Rumble would use all legal means to protect free speech, which he said is a universal human right. He highlighted Rumble’s ongoing legal fight in the French courts and called for Durov’s immediate release.

The tech community was shocked by Durov’s arrest, and French authorities are still conducting a preliminary investigation without formal charges. Russian officials have demanded an explanation from France, and X owner Elon Musk has criticized the arrest, saying it threatens free speech in Europe.