Veria - Claim Fact Check

85%

Based on my research, here is my analysis of the claim:

Reasoning:

Telegram founder Pavel Durov publicly stated on May 18, 2025, that a "Western European government" approached Telegram asking to "silence conservative voices in Romania" ahead of the presidential election run-off that day¹²³
Durov stated he "flatly refused" this request and said "Telegram will not restrict the freedoms of Romanian users or block their political channels"³¹²
In his initial post, Durov included a baguette emoji (🥖), which was widely interpreted as hinting at France⁴²¹
Hours later, Durov specifically named Nicolas Lerner, head of French intelligence (DGSE), claiming he asked to "ban conservative voices in Romania" at a meeting at the Salon des Batailles in the Hôtel de Crillon²¹
The French government denied Durov's allegations, calling them "completely unfounded allegations" and denying any interference in Romania's election¹⁴²
The claim is largely based on Durov's own account, which is disputed by France²⁴
It was Durov (the founder/CEO) himself who made the statement and refusal, not merely a "representative"¹³⁴

Overall validity: 85%