Pavel Durov, the billionaire behind Telegram, was arrested at Paris-Le Bourget Airport on Saturday evening, sparking a global frenzy. Just after landing in his private jet from Azerbaijan, Durov was detained by French authorities, setting off alarms about the future of free speech.

The arrest is tied to serious accusations that Telegram, Durov’s messaging platform, was involved in crimes like money laundering, drug trafficking, and online sexual exploitation. French media reported that Durov was detained based on a warrant from the National Anti-Fraud Office, which claimed his platform facilitated these criminal activities. The timing and high profile of the case have only added to the uproar.

Founded by Durov and his brother in the wake of Russia’s crackdown on dissent during the 2011-2012 protests, Telegram has been a stronghold for secure communication. Its end-to-end encryption has made it a favorite among users who value privacy. Despite Russia’s attempts to block the app due to its refusal to hand over encryption keys, Telegram has remained an essential tool for both ordinary people and government bodies.

Durov, who holds both French and Russian citizenship, was informed by French officials that he was under arrest. French prosecutors have kept quiet, citing the ongoing investigation, which reportedly includes a special unit focusing on crimes against minors.

In response, Telegram has defended Durov, claiming the platform complies with EU laws and content moderation standards. The company stressed that Durov travels often and has “nothing to hide,” brushing off accusations that he or Telegram is responsible for any misuse.

Russia’s reaction has been intense. The Russian embassy in Paris is demanding explanations, accusing the French government of being obstructive. Russian officials have labeled Durov a “political prisoner,” with MP Maria Butina calling the arrest a “witch-hunt by the West” designed to stifle free speech. But why is Russia so concerned about his arrest?

Telegram’s extensive use by the Russian military for battlefield communications—thanks to issues with their own secure systems—has made this arrest especially significant. The platform is not just popular among pro-war military bloggers and media but also serves millions of ordinary Russians. As the Russian military blogger channel Povernutie na Z Voine put it, “They practically detained the head of communication for the Russian army.”

Deputy Speaker Vladislav Davankov and Dmitry Medvedev have suggested that Durov’s arrest might be politically motivated, part of a broader scheme to access personal data from Telegram users.

Edward Snowden pointed out that Durov’s current plight echoes his earlier struggle. Durov fled Russia in 2014 to escape demands to shut down opposition on his VK platform. He refused to hand over the encryption keys to Russian authorities. Now, it seems that the French will be asking the same questions.  It seems that escaping censorship isn’t so simple.

The arrest has also sparked outrage beyond Russia. Kim Dotcom, the founder of Megaupload, has slammed the move as part of a broader “crackdown on free speech.”

Elon Musk has joined the fray, raising concerns about the impact on free speech and backing Durov with the hashtag “FreePavel.”

This global outrage is practically screaming that freedom of speech is on the edge of a cliff. If this whole circus is just a ploy to pry open Russian military secrets, then we’ve got a serious problem. Using Durov’s arrest as a bargaining chip to crack Telegram’s encryption sets a chilling new standard. It’s like saying, “Hey, let’s bulldoze privacy and free speech while we’re at it!” The arrest doesn’t just breach the confidentiality of communications—it’s basically rolling out the red carpet for censorship and silencing anyone who dares to speak out. If this is where we’re headed, freedom of speech might become nothing more than a distant memory.