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France’s Macron Says Arrest Of The Head Of The Telegram Messaging App Wasn’t Political

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Telegram | AP News Image

PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron said Monday that Pavel Durov, the CEO of the Telegram, was arrested in France as part of an impartial inquiry, not a political one.

The Paris prosecutor’s office said Monday that Durov was detained Saturday at Le Bourget airport as part of a judicial investigation launched last month into 12 alleged criminal offences.

According to a statement, the suspected offenses include involvement in the sale of child pornography and drug trafficking, fraud, aiding and abetting organized crime activities, and refusing to give information or documents to investigators when legally required.

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France’s Macron Says Arrest Of The Head Of The Telegram Messaging App Wasn’t Political

In France’s first public response to the arrest, Macron wrote on the social media platform X that his country “is deeply committed” to free expression but that “freedoms are upheld within a legal framework, both on social media and in real life, to protect citizens and respect their fundamental rights.”

Macron denounced incorrect information and stated that the arrest was not a political choice. It is up to the courts to rule on this.”

According to the prosecutor’s office, Durov’s incarceration has been extended until Monday night and may be extended until Wednesday evening before he is released or charged.

Durov is a citizen of Russia, France, the United Arab Emirates, and the Caribbean island of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Russian government officials have voiced fury at his detention, with some claiming it was politically motivated and evidence of the West’s double standard on free speech. The outrage has sparked suspicions among Kremlin critics: In 2018, Russian officials attempted to stop Telegram but failed, with the ban lifted in 2020.

Telegram, which claims to have nearly a billion users globally, was launched by Durov and his brother following pressure from Russian authorities.

In 2013, he sold his part in VKontakte, a popular Russian social networking service he founded in 2006.

The corporation faced pressure following the Russian government’s crackdown on major pro-democracy protests in Moscow between 2011 and 2012.

According to Durov, the authorities asked that the site remove online communities of Russian opposition activists, as well as hand over personal data of users who participated in the 2013 popular movement in Ukraine, which eventually toppled a pro-Kremlin president.

Durov stated in a recent interview that he refused these requests and departed the country.

The demonstrations spurred Russian authorities to crack down on the digital domain, and Telegram, with its pro-privacy rhetoric, provided a handy avenue for Russians to interact and exchange news.

Telegram remains a popular news source in Ukraine, as media outlets and officials use it to convey war-related information and send missile and air raid alerts.

In a statement on its site following his arrest, Telegram stated that it follows EU legislation and that its moderation is “within industry standards and constantly improving.”

“It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform,” according to Telegram’s post. “Almost a billion people worldwide use Telegram as a means of communication and a source of critical information. We are waiting for a swift resolution to this matter. Telegram is with all of you.”

French media reported on Monday that a French investigating judge prolonged Durov’s arrest order on Sunday night. According to French legislation, Durov can be detained for questioning for up to four days. After that, the judges must decide whether to charge or release him.

The Russian Embassy in Paris stated that consular officers were denied access to Durov because French authorities see his French citizenship as primary. Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson, said on Monday, “We still don’t know what Durov is accused of. Let us wait till the charges are publicized if there are.

telegram

France’s Macron Says Arrest Of The Head Of The Telegram Messaging App Wasn’t Political

Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X who has previously described himself as a “free speech absolutist,” tweeted “#freePavel” in support of Durov following his detention.

Western governments have frequently criticized Telegram for its lack of content filtering, which experts believe allows the messaging network to be used for money laundering, drug trafficking, and the transmission of material related to underage sexual exploitation.

In 2022, Germany fined Telegram’s operators $5 million for failing to develop a legal means to report illegal information or to designate a German entity to receive official communications. Both are required under German regulations governing huge internet sites.

Last year, Brazil temporarily barred Telegram for failing to turn over data on neo-Nazi behavior in connection with a police investigation into school shootings in November.

SOURCE | AP

Kiara Grace is a staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. Her writing focuses on technology trends, particularly in the realm of consumer electronics and software. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics. Kiara delivers insightful analyses that resonate with tech enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Her articles strike a balance between in-depth coverage and accessibility, making them a go-to resource for anyone seeking to stay informed about the latest innovations shaping our digital world.

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Sonic the Hedgehog Dominates Christmas Wish Lists

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Sonic the Hedgehog Merchandise are hot Christmas Items

Sonic the Hedgehog is dominating Christmas wish lists this year. The lovable blue hedgehog is back in the spotlight, from sonic the hedgehog toys and games to sonic the hedgehog coloring pages and movie hype.

Sonic-themed holiday merchandise is on fire, from quirky sweaters to action figures flying off shelves. Sonic the Hedgehog Christmas outfits for kids are selling out fast, making them a go-to gift option for festive fun.

Retailers have been quick to recognize Sonic’s holiday appeal. Special promotions and exclusive items, like the Sonic holiday t-shirts, are everywhere.

Everyone’s stocking up on Sonic merchandise, from big-box stores to boutique retailers.

Online shopping platforms are seeing a surge in searches for Sonic items. Whether it’s Sonic Christmas-themed tops or Sonic the Hedgehog coloring pages, Sonic the Hedgehog toys or Sonic and the Hedgehog 3, the demand is skyrocketing.

Retailers who tap into this trend are sure to see strong holiday sales.

Sonic has been around since the early 90s, but his popularity never wanes. With the release of Sonic 3, fans are more excited than ever.

sonic the hedgehog 4

Sonic the Hedgehog 4

Meanwhile, Paramount Pictures is preparing “Sonic the Hedgehog 4,” with the newest addition in the family-friendly genre set for a spring 2027 release.

The announcement comes as “Sonic 3” opens in theatres on Friday, estimated to gross $55 million to $60 million from 3,800 North American locations.

The sequel is shaping up to be a good holiday season blockbuster for Paramount, which explains the desire in future “Sonic” adventures. On the international front, the film will be released on Christmas Day in 52 markets.

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics gave “Sonic 3” an outstanding 87% fresh score.

The first two films grossed a total of $725.2 million at the global box office and generated over $180 million in global consumer expenditure through home entertainment rentals and digital purchases.

They also inspired a spinoff Paramount+ series, “Knuckles,” which premiered earlier this year.

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Amazon Strike Called By Teamsters Union 10,000 Walkout

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Amazon Strike Called By Teamsters Union
Teamsters members were demonstrating at "hundreds" of other Amazon locations.

An Amazon strike has hit facilities in the United States in an effort by the Teamsters union to pressure the corporation for a labour agreement during a peak shopping season.

The Teamsters union told the Associated Press that Amazon delivery drivers at seven facilities in the United States walked off the job on Thursday after the firm failed to discuss a labour contract.

According to the union, Amazon employees in Teamsters union jackets were protesting at “hundreds” of additional Amazon facilities, which the union billed as the “largest strike” in US history involving the company.

The corporation, which employs over 800,000 people in its US delivery network, stated that its services will be unaffected.

It was unclear how many people, including members of Germany’s United Services Union, participated in Thursday’s demonstration. The Teamsters union reported that thousands of Amazon employees were implicated in the United States.

Amazon Strike at 10 Locations

Overall, the group claims to represent “nearly 10,000” Amazon strikers, having signed up thousands of people at roughly ten locations across the country, many of whom have joined in recent months.

The organization has claimed recognition from Amazon going on strike, claiming the firm illegally neglected its obligation to bargain collectively over salary and working conditions.

The Teamsters is a long-standing US union with nearly one million members. It is well-known for securing lucrative contracts for its members at companies like delivery behemoth UPS.

Most of the Teamsters’ Amazon campaigns have concerned drivers working for third-party delivery companies that partner with the tech behemoth.

Amazon denies that it is liable as an employer in those circumstances, which is a point of legal contention. In at least one case, labour officials have taken a preliminary stance in favour of the union.

Stalled Contract Negotiations

Amazon employees at a major warehouse on Staten Island in New York have also chosen to join the Teamsters. Their warehouse is the only Amazon facility in the United States where labour officials have formally recognized a union win.

However, the Amazon strike is because contract negotiations have not progressed since the 2022 vote. It was not one of the areas scheduled to go on strike on Thursday.

Amazon, one of the largest employers in the United States, has long received criticism for its working conditions and has been the target of activists seeking to gain traction among its employees.

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Amazon Encounters Numerous Strikes As Unions Aim At The Holiday Shopping Surge.

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(VOR News) – Thousands of Amazon employees at various sites across the country were scheduled to go on strike on Thursday in an effort by the Teamsters union to pressure the retail behemoth to acknowledge its unionised workers in the United States.

The walkout is expected to concentrate on seven Amazon locations across the country during the holiday purchasing surge and may be the most significant union action against Amazon in the nation’s history.

The business announced on Thursday morning that there had been no effect on operations. It also stated that it is “continuing to concentrate on fulfilling customers’ holiday orders.”

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters maintains that it represents more than 10,000 Amazon employees and contractors in aviation centres, warehouses, and delivery centres.

Amazon has refused to acknowledge the union for many years.

The retail giant, which employs approximately 1.5 million individuals, excludes contractors and part-timers. A strike has been initiated by delivery couriers and warehouse employees at seven distinct locations in order to exert pressure on the company to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement that would encompass modifications to compensation, amenities, and working conditions.

Picketing was intended for New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Skokie, Illinois.

Also, the Teamsters assert that they are establishing picket lines at “hundreds” of additional warehouses and delivery centres by encouraging non-unionized workers to picket under U.S. labour law, which protects workers’ ability to take collective action to further their interests.

“Amazon workers are exercising their power,” Randy Korgan stated to NPR.

“They now realise there is a pathway to take on a corporate giant like this – and that they hold the power.” Amazon responds by accusing the Teamsters of fabricating information regarding the strikes, asserting that the participants are “entirely” outsiders rather than employees or subcontractors of the corporation.

Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel stated that “the reality is that they were unable to secure sufficient support from our employees and partners and have invited external parties to harass and intimidate our team.” For more than a year, the Teamsters have been intentionally misleading the public by claiming to represent “thousands of employees and drivers.” They do not.

The Teamsters did not provide a specific duration for the strike; however, they informed NPR that it would extend beyond one day. Workers would receive $1,000 per week in strike money, as per the union.

Teamsters President Sean O’Brien issued a statement in which he stated, “If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can attribute it to Amazon’s insatiable greed.” We established a firm deadline for Amazon to attend the meeting and treat our members equitably. They disregarded it.

The Teamsters granted until December 15 to convene with its unionised employees and develop a collective bargaining agreement.

Amazon has opposed all unionisation efforts in court, asserting that unions were not advantageous to its employees and emphasising the compensation and benefits that the organisation currently provides.

Amazon has been accused of discriminatory labour practices on numerous occasions, including the termination of labour organisers. Furthermore, it has disputed its official status as a contract employer.

Teamsters organize Amazon delivery couriers and other employees.

In June, Amazon established its first unionised warehouse in Staten Island, New York, two years after making history by voting to join the fledgling Amazon Labour Union, which is also affiliated with the Teamsters.

The union is one of the most influential in the United States and Canada, with 1.3 million members. On Thursday, the German United Services Union declared that Amazon employees in Germany would participate in a strike in conjunction with their American counterparts.

In the past, Amazon has experienced demonstrations in Germany and Spain that were related to the holiday season in order to advocate for improved wages and working conditions.

“The holiday season has arrived.” Delivery is anticipated. Patricia Campos-Medina, the executive director of Cornell University’s Worker Institute, asserts that “this is the moment in which workers have control over the supply chain.”

The Teamsters have reported that Amazon’s profits have increased both during and after the pandemic. The corporation is currently valued at over $2.3 trillion, with net income of $15 billion in the most recent quarter alone. It is the second-largest private employer in the United States, following Walmart.

SOURCE: NPR

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