Telegram’s Founder Slams Kirk’s Assassination as Assault on Free Speech
(MENAFN) The tragic killing of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk has been condemned by Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov as an assault on freedom of expression, with the Russian billionaire warning that other fundamental liberties could be under threat.
In a poignant post on Telegram, Durov emphasized Kirk’s role in defending open debate, stating, Kirk “fought for open debate, and enemies of truth hated him for it.” The 26-year-old activist was shot dead on Wednesday while speaking to thousands of students at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University.
While US authorities have characterized the incident as a political assassination, Durov labeled it a direct "assault on free speech." He stressed the dire consequences of losing such freedoms: “Once free speech is lost, every other freedom soon follows. We must continue Charlie’s mission to defend it,” he wrote.
Known for positioning Telegram as a key defender of free speech and privacy, Durov has frequently clashed with governments over censorship, including fines in Germany for not removing "illegal" content. His platform has faced criticism from the US for allegedly providing a safe haven for extremist groups.
In the aftermath of Kirk’s death, political figures across the US have mourned his loss, celebrating his dedication to civil discourse. US Vice President JD Vance praised Kirk for fostering dialogue between opposing political sides, calling his events "one of the few places with open and honest dialogue between left and right."
US President Donald Trump announced plans to posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, vowing to pursue both Kirk’s killer and what he described as "radical left" networks that encourage political violence. Trump also promised an investigation into billionaire George Soros for his purported involvement in financing "riots" across the US.
Echoing similar sentiments, Elon Musk condemned the radical left as a “party of murder.”
On Friday, authorities confirmed that Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old resident of Utah, had been arrested in connection with Kirk’s murder. Both Trump and Utah Governor Spencer Cox have called for the death penalty should Robinson be convicted.
In a poignant post on Telegram, Durov emphasized Kirk’s role in defending open debate, stating, Kirk “fought for open debate, and enemies of truth hated him for it.” The 26-year-old activist was shot dead on Wednesday while speaking to thousands of students at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University.
While US authorities have characterized the incident as a political assassination, Durov labeled it a direct "assault on free speech." He stressed the dire consequences of losing such freedoms: “Once free speech is lost, every other freedom soon follows. We must continue Charlie’s mission to defend it,” he wrote.
Known for positioning Telegram as a key defender of free speech and privacy, Durov has frequently clashed with governments over censorship, including fines in Germany for not removing "illegal" content. His platform has faced criticism from the US for allegedly providing a safe haven for extremist groups.
In the aftermath of Kirk’s death, political figures across the US have mourned his loss, celebrating his dedication to civil discourse. US Vice President JD Vance praised Kirk for fostering dialogue between opposing political sides, calling his events "one of the few places with open and honest dialogue between left and right."
US President Donald Trump announced plans to posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, vowing to pursue both Kirk’s killer and what he described as "radical left" networks that encourage political violence. Trump also promised an investigation into billionaire George Soros for his purported involvement in financing "riots" across the US.
Echoing similar sentiments, Elon Musk condemned the radical left as a “party of murder.”
On Friday, authorities confirmed that Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old resident of Utah, had been arrested in connection with Kirk’s murder. Both Trump and Utah Governor Spencer Cox have called for the death penalty should Robinson be convicted.
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