Demonstration for Pavel Durov

⚡ Volnitsa NL is organising a demonstration in The Hague to support Freedom of Speech and Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram.

🗓 8th of September, 14:00

📍 Next to the Embassy of France in the Hague (Carnegieplein, by the Haags Herdenkingsmonument)

Pavel Durov has made an invaluable contribution to the fight for freedom and democracy in former Soviet countries by defending free speech and privacy. When faced with pressure from the Russian state, Durov chose to forfeit VKontakte (Russia’s most successful social media platform) rather than comply with demands from special services to disclose user information. Undeterred, he went on to create Telegram, a messaging platform with uncompromised privacy, restraint from censorship, and a commitment to freedom of speech and communication.

Today, Telegram remains one of the few platforms where Russians (and citizens of other authoritarian regimes) can access independent media, engage in peaceful opposition, and express dissent without fear of state persecution. Yet, despite his commitment to privacy and freedom, Durov is at risk of being charged with complicity in crimes such as fraud, drug trafficking, money laundering, and more.

Pavel Durov is not a politician. He has no political force to speak up for him, but together, we can make our voices heard.

While we strongly condemn any illegal activities conducted through Telegram, we also recognise that the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking is often used as a pretext to curtail citizens' freedoms, without actually reducing crime. It is unacceptable for the creator of a communication tool to be held personally responsible for how it is used.

📌 We, activists from Russia, are living the consequences of state censorship, bans on news outlets and social media, and violations of privacy of correspondence. It is thanks to freedom of speech and thought that Europe and the Netherlands, in particular, have become a beacon of hope for people living in authoritarian regimes. We wish freedom and inviolability not only for the people of our country but for the whole world. We care about the fate of Europe and are deeply concerned about calls for illiberal solutions that could threaten human rights. We will continue to defend liberal democratic principles wherever we are!

💬 We are joining forces with multiple parties and movements:

The Libertarian Party of Russia (RU)
Diaspora of the Democratic Movement "Vesna" (RU)
The Libertarian Party of France (FR)
The Dutch Pirate Party (NL)
The Libertarian Party of the Netherlands (NL)
Party for Reason (DE)

to speak out in defence of Pavel Durov, Freedom of Speech and Free Internet and hold a series of rallies across Europe.

We urge Dutch political parties and activists to join us in demonstrating our commitment to these crucial rights and in supporting those who are unjustly prosecuted.

Free Pavel Durov! #FREEDUROV