France denies Durov second international travel request in May
Earlier, on May 12, Pavel Durov was banned from traveling to the United States
A French court has unexpectedly denied Telegram founder Pavel Durov permission to travel to Oslo, Norway, where he was scheduled to speak at the Freedom Forum on May 27.
The court's decision prevents Durov from delivering a planned speech on digital surveillance, freedom of expression, and online rights at this major human rights event.
Thor Halvorssen, founder and CEO of the Human Rights Foundation (organizer of the Forum), criticized the court’s ruling:
"Technologies like Telegram are essential tools for those resisting tyranny. This is more than disappointing for our community; it’s a setback for freedom," he said.
Durov has been under investigation in France since August 2024, after authorities detained him in connection with alleged criminal activity carried out via his platform. However, prosecutors have not filed formal charges, and in March, Durov was granted permission to travel to Dubai—seen as a sign of cooperation and the likely closure of the case.
Is criticism of the government the real reason?
In recent weeks, Durov has made public statements criticizing the French government's attempt to ban encryption in messaging apps. He also clashed with WhatsApp’s parent company Meta, accusing it of copying Telegram features and launching smear campaigns.
Coincidentally, in mid-May, French prosecutors also denied Durov permission to travel to the U.S. to meet investors, saying such a trip “does not appear necessary or justified.” The Oslo travel ban marks the second denied trip for Durov this month.
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