"The Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan calls on the French authorities to ensure respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms of Pavel Durov and conduct an objective investigation into this case," declared the union.
The main journalistic organization of Kazakhstan notes that Durov's detention has caused concern among all those who fight for freedom, democracy and the principles of freedom of speech.
"It is important to take into account that in a number of countries where officially registered independent democratic media regularly face persecution or cease to exist altogether, where Internet sites are regularly blocked, Telegram, created by Pavel Durov, is currently almost the only source of objective and reliable information free from censorship. Let us recall that in 2018, Pavel Durov became a laureate of the Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan for his principled position against censorship, and his arrest could negatively affect freedom of speech and human rights in developing countries with fragile democracy," the Union said.
The Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan drew attention to the fact that France has historically been a stronghold and flagship of democracy for the entire free world.
“Therefore, the Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan expresses hope for an objective investigation, the result of which will be a fair and humane decision that meets the interests of democracy," reads the statement.
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