TRON founder Justin Sun has pledged to donate $1 million to any Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) formed to advocate for the release of Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov .

On Aug. 25, Sun posted on Twitter :

“We should demonstrate the cryptocurrency industry’s solidarity by forming a #FreePavel DAO to assist Telegram founder Pavel Durov in securing his legal freedom. I’ll donate $1 million if it’s established in a decentralized manner with sufficient community backing.”

Sun’s statement underscores the widespread support Durov has garnered since his arrest in France on Aug. 23.

Durov, a citizen of both France and Russia, was apprehended by the French Air Transport Gendarmerie (GTA) after his private jet touched down at Le Bourget airport. He was listed as a wanted individual in France under a warrant that was only applicable if he was present on French soil.

French authorities claim that Durov is involved in criminal activities due to Telegram’s alleged failure to adequately moderate content. He could face charges related to aiding and abetting drug trafficking, child exploitation, and fraud.

#FreePavel

Over the weekend, prominent figures in the cryptocurrency industry—including Elon Musk , Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, Robert Kennedy Jr. , and several others — voiced their support for Durov’s release using the #FreePavel hashtag.

Elon Musk was among the first to express support, tweeting the hashtag “#FreePavel.” True to his style, Musk later added a satirical comment regarding the escalating censorship in Europe. He wrote :

“Imagine: It’s 2030 in Europe, and you’re facing punishment for liking a meme.”

Similarly, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin stated that the arrest looks “very bad and worrying for the future of software and comms freedom in Europe.”

Meanwhile, Robert F. Kennedy, who recently withdrew from the US presidential race to support former president Donald Trump , emphasized the importance of protecting free speech. He tweeted :

“France has just apprehended Pavel Durov, the founder & CEO of the encrypted, uncensored Telegram platform. The necessity to safeguard free speech has never been more critical.”

Furthermore, well-known whistleblower Edward Snowden stated that Durov’s arrest was “an attack on the fundamental human rights of free speech and association.” He added :

“I am shocked and deeply saddened by Macron's decision to resort to hostage-taking in order to gain access to private communication. This action not only undermines France, but also the entire world.”