How to run an election, pro-EU edition: ban the party, jail the governor, block the observers

Reuters

Telegrams Durov Says France Asked Remove Some Moldovan Channels App 2025 09 28

Pavel Durov, Telegram's founder, has alleged that French intelligence services contacted him through an intermediary while he was in Paris, requesting assistance to censor Moldovan Telegram channels before presidential elections.

Le Figaro

Pavel Durov

Pavel Durov, Telegram's founder, has alleged that French intelligence services contacted him through an intermediary while he was in Paris, requesting assistance to censor Moldovan Telegram channels before presidential elections.

Durov stated that after reviewing flagged channels, some that violated platform rules were removed, and the intermediary allegedly promised French intelligence would speak favorably about him to the judge overseeing ongoing legal charges in France.

European Conservative

Durov stated that after reviewing flagged channels, some that violated platform rules were removed, and the intermediary allegedly promised French intelligence would speak favorably about him to the judge overseeing ongoing legal charges in France.

A second list of Moldovan channels was provided to Telegram, which Durov described as legitimate accounts that only shared political positions disliked by French and Moldovan governments, prompting Telegram to refuse the removal request.</span

A second list of Moldovan channels was provided to Telegram, which Durov described as legitimate accounts that only shared political positions disliked by French and Moldovan governments, prompting Telegram to refuse the removal request.

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to Durov's allegations on social media, stating he makes accusations during ongoing elections, referencing similar claims he made about Romania.

French Response

EuroNews

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to Durov's allegations on social media, stating he makes accusations during ongoing elections, referencing similar claims he made about Romania.

Moldova's pro-EU Party of Action and Solidarity secured victory in parliamentary elections with approximately 50 percent of the vote, followed by the pro-Russia Patriotic Electoral Bloc with approximately 24 percent.

Politico

Comisia Electorală Centrală

Moldova's pro-EU Party of Action and Solidarity secured victory in parliamentary elections with approximately 50 percent of the vote, followed by the pro-Russia Patriotic Electoral Bloc with approximately 24 percent.

Moldovan officials reported cyberattacks on electoral systems and bomb threats at polling stations abroad during the voting process, with turnout sitting at approximately 52 percent.

Moldovan officials reported cyberattacks on electoral systems and bomb threats at polling stations abroad during the voting process, with turnout sitting at approximately 52 percent.

Durov Accuses French Intelligence of Telegram Censorship

Articles on this story

Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters
Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters

Durov Accuses French Intelligence of Telegram Censorship

Articles on this story

Sign Up for Our Free NewslettersSign Up for Our Free Newsletters

Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters
Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters