Telegram CEO's arrest a blow to free speech: Edward Snowden

US NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden on Sunday backed Telegram Founder Pavel Durov, saying his arrest is “an assault on the basic human rights of speech and association”.

In a post on X social media platform, Snowden who was granted Russian citizenship last year, said that the moved has lowered not only France but the world.

“The arrest of @Durov is an assault on the basic human rights of speech and association. I am surprised and deeply saddened that (French President Emmanuel) Macron has descended to the level of taking hostages as a means for gaining access to private communications. It lowers not only France, but the world,” posted the US Snowden. Durov was detained after his private jet landed at Le Bourget Airport in France, according to local media. The 39-year-old billionaire was arrested under a warrant for offences related to the popular messaging app.