Following Russia's addition of Telegram founder Pavel Durov to its list of terrorists and extremists, Telegram subscribers in Russia are questioning whether paying for the service constitutes support for terrorism. Alexander Khaminsky, head of the Moscow and Moscow Region Law Enforcement Center, says the organization itself has not yet been recognized as extremist, but warns that if it is deemed illegal, even a ruble payment could pose serious legal problems under criminal financing laws.
The source widely followed in Russia reports that subscribers are asking whether their payments for Telegram Premium now amount to financing terrorism, after the Russian government added founder Pavel Durov to its list of terrorists and extremists earlier Thursday. As The Zioneer reported at 15:44 Jerusalem time, Russia placed Durov on the list, though the exact legal implications remained unclear. The new post quotes Alexander Khaminsky, head of the Moscow and Moscow Region Law Enforcement Center, explaining that the organization itself has not yet been recognized as extremist by court order. However, he warns that if Telegram's activities are deemed illegal, even a single ruble payment could fall under criminal statutes on financing terrorism and extremism, which have no lower limit. The development adds a practical dimension for Russian users of the messaging platform.
2 developments
- DevelopingTelegram Post: Durov Is Russian but Supports 'Freedom of Action for Every Citizen'
- DevelopingWarning: Many Telegram and WhatsApp polls are party-funded
- StrongTrump says he will ask Putin if Russian satellites are aiding Iran
- DevelopingFive suspects charged with extortion using fake Telegram dating platforms
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