Russia Declares Telegram Founder a Wanted Terrorist, He Responds with a Middle Finger

Russia has indicted Telegram founder Pavel Durov for aiding terrorism, claiming the app was used by Ukrainian spies to coordinate attacks. Telegram responded with an image of Durov giving the middle finger. The charges include using a dating chatbot to recruit Russians for attacks. Durov is internationally wanted and could face life imprisonment if extradited to Russia.

Russia announced on Wednesday that it has filed an indictment against Telegram founder Pavel Durov for aiding terrorist activities. The FSB claims the app was used by Ukrainian spies to coordinate attacks, utilizing a dating chatbot named 'Daivinchik/Leo' to recruit young Russians for bombings and arson. In response, Telegram's account posted an image of Durov giving the middle finger. Durov, who resides in Dubai, has been placed on the international wanted list and could face life imprisonment if extradited to Russia. Reports note that Russia has restricted access to Telegram and is promoting a competing app called MAX. Durov denies the allegations and asserts that Telegram has acted beyond legal requirements.