Rumble video hosting founder Chris Pawlowski has left the EU amid Durov’s arrest.

Pawlowski said he had left Europe safe and sound. According to him, the French authorities had already threatened Rumble, but by arresting the founder of Telegram, they went beyond all permitted measures.

The company has no intention of tolerating this and will use all legal means available in the fight for freedom of expression. Rumble is currently involved in litigation in France. Pavlovsky also noted that he hopes for Durov’s release soon.

• Pavel Durov was arrested on the evening of 24 August at Le Bourget airport upon his arrival from Azerbaijan as part of a preliminary investigation. The following day, the court extended his detention for another 48 hours.
• Police authorities suspect Telegram’s director of involvement in “drug trafficking, crimes against children and fraud,” indicating a lack of restraint and cooperation between the messenger’s management and the authorities. The businessman could face up to 20 years in prison in France.
• The Paris prosecutor’s office has promised to publish a press release on the Durov case on Monday, August 26.
• The Telegram team has called the prosecutor’s accusations of abuse against the platform and its founder absurd.

Rumble was founded in 2013. The platform is known for its cooperation with Trump Media & Technology Group, including through the development of the social network Truth Social.

In November 2022, Chris Pawlowski closed access to accommodation in France, opposing the blocking of Russian media accounts.