Australian MP on Durov's arrest: 'Freedom of expression' term is a relic of modern history in the West

Adrian McRae, an Australian MP and vocal ally of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, said Durov's arrest in France was another step by the West to tighten its grip on speech and ideas.

Durov created a platform with “very smart security controls” that would have been difficult for Western intelligence agencies to access through the back door, McCray noted .

“ Pavel’s arrest is  a chilling development in an increasingly clear and deplorable pattern, where Western governments and intelligence agencies are moving aggressively towards total state censorship and control of thought and opinion, and more importantly, the term ‘ freedom of expression ’ is fast becoming a relic of modern history in the West,” he added.

French media reported on Saturday evening that Durov was arrested at Le Bourget Airport in Paris. This happened as he was getting off a private plane that was said to have arrived from Azerbaijan. According to the French press, Durov, who holds French citizenship, was on the country's wanted list.

French media reported that the French judiciary considered Durov involved in crimes for a number of reasons, including Telegram’s refusal to cooperate with the country’s authorities. Durov is likely to be charged with terrorism, drug trafficking, fraud and money laundering.

French journalist Cyril Amurski said that the founder of Telegram could face a prison sentence of up to 20 years.

In turn, the Russian embassy in France confirmed that the French authorities have so far refused to cooperate regarding Durov's arrest.