Durov revealed French authorities proposed censoring conservatives for milder legal treatment. French spies promised positive judge recommendations if Telegram blocked specific election content. Telegram thrives as uncensored platform in repressive countries. App surges in popularity during political crises for free info flow. France dismissed claims as repeats from prior Romania election interference accusations. Romanian populist win annulled over alleged Russian ties via Telegram. Durov rejects content interference despite French charges of enabling crime. His arrest spiked Telegram downloads and free speech branding.