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3mo ago

Telegram Founder Accuses France of Election Interference, Denial Follows

Pavel Durov claims French intelligence sought to silence Romanian conservatives before elections, a charge firmly denied by the DGSE and France's foreign ministry.

Telegram app logo is seen in this illustration taken, August 27, 2024. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
Founder and CEO of Telegram Pavel Durov delivers a keynote speech during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain February 23, 2016. REUTERS/Albert Gea/File Photo
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Telegram founder Pavel Durov alleged that DGSE chief Nicolas Lerner asked him 'to ban conservative voices in Romania ahead of elections'

Overview

  • Pavel Durov, Telegram's founder, alleged that Nicolas Lerner, head of France's DGSE, requested a ban on Romanian conservative voices ahead of the presidential run-off election.
  • Durov initially hinted at French involvement using a baguette emoji before explicitly naming Lerner in a follow-up post.
  • France's DGSE and foreign ministry have categorically denied the allegations, emphasizing no electoral-related bans were sought.
  • The DGSE confirmed past contact with Durov to address Telegram’s responsibilities in curbing terrorist and child pornography content but refuted election-related claims.
  • Centrist Nicusor Dan won Romania's presidential run-off, defeating nationalist George Simion in a vote seen as pivotal for EU unity and regional stability.