The Open Network (TON) Society is celebrating a major victory for freedom of speech, online privacy, and innovation with the return of Pavel Durov’s passport. The Telegram founder had been detained in France since August 2024, but on March 15, he was finally able to leave the country and head to Dubai.

The TON Society, a group that has been supporting Durov since his arrest, released a statement expressing their joy and relief at the news. They praised Durov’s unwavering commitment to freedom of speech and transparency, even in the face of difficult circumstances.

This victory comes after months of advocacy and pressure from the TON Society, who previously penned a letter condemning the French government for detaining Durov and calling for his release. They also called on international organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union to intervene.

The arrest of Durov, a prominent figure in the crypto industry, had raised concerns about the implications for privacy and decentralized technologies. Many saw it as a direct assault on the basic human right of freedom of expression.

French President Emmanuel Macron denied any political motivation behind Durov’s arrest and claimed that France is committed to free speech. However, his statements were met with skepticism from the crypto community and free speech advocates.

In fact, Chris Pavlovski, the CEO of the free-speech video platform Rumble, announced that he had safely left Europe following Durov’s detention. He also condemned the French government for their crackdown on free speech.

This victory for Durov and the TON Society is a reminder of the importance of standing by one’s principles, even in the face of adversity. It also serves as a warning to governments that the crypto community will not stand idly by while their rights are threatened.

The return of Durov’s passport is a significant win for the crypto industry and a step towards protecting freedom of speech and privacy in the digital age. Let us hope that this victory will inspire others to stand up for their beliefs and fight for what is right.