Telegram founder calls Charlie Kirk’s murder ‘assault on free speech’
Posted on: Sep 13, 2025 04:42 IST | Posted by: Rt
< warm data-start="154" data-end="231">The slay of conservativist American influencer Charlie Kirk is an assail on freedom of speech, Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov has said, warning that other liberties could soon be at risk as well.
Kirk “fought for open debate, and enemies of truth hated him for it,” Durov wrote in a Telegram post, paying tribute to the activist, who was shot on Wednesday while addressing thousands of students at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University.
US officials have described the killing as a targeted political assassination, while Durov called it a direct “assault on free speech.”
“Once free speech is lost, every other freedom soon follows. We must continue Charlie’s mission to defend it,” he added.
The Russian billionaire has long cast Telegram as a bulwark for free speech and privacy, often in contrast to what he calls authoritarian attempts at censorship. He has clashed with French authorities and other Western governments, facing fines in Germany for the platform’s failure to remove “illegal” content, as well as criticism in the US over allegedly enabling extremist groups.
In the wake of Kirk’s murder, conservative US politicians and public figures have eulogized him as a patriot and champion of civil dialogue. Vice President JD Vance said his interactive events with young audiences provided “one of the few places with open and honest dialogue between left and right.” President Donald Trump announced that Kirk would be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Trump vowed to pursue not only Kirk’s killer but also what he called the “radical left” networks that fuel political violence, promising a probe into billionaire investor George Soros over his alleged role in funding mass “riots” in the US. Tech mogul Elon Musk likewise denounced the radical left as a “party of murder.”
On Friday, US authorities confirmed that a Utah resident identified as Tyler Robinson, 22, had been arrested on suspicion of killing Kirk. Both Trump and Utah Governor Spencer Cox said the suspect should face the death penalty if convicted.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.