Tengrinews.kz - The rector of the Eurasian International University (Moscow, Russia), Konstantin Klimenko, has proposed nominating the founder of the social network 'VKontakte' and the messenger Telegram, Pavel Durov, for the Nobel Prize.
Klimenko wrote about this initiative on his Telegram channel.
"I personally consider Pavel Durov an outstanding individual. He is a leader of the new digital technology era. In my opinion, Durov deserves the Nobel Prize. Therefore, I have submitted an official nomination to the Nobel Committee to award the Nobel Prize to Pavel Durov," he explained.
According to him, the nomination has already been supported by representatives from several universities and public organizations from Asian and African countries.
"As the chairman of the BRICS Dubai Investment Forum, I have invited Pavel to be an honorary guest and speaker. If he is not released, he can participate remotely," added the university rector.
Pavel Durov was arrested on August 24 at Paris Le Bourget Airport, where he arrived on his private jet from Baku. According to local press, Durov, who holds French citizenship, was on the country's wanted list.
After Durov’s arrest, Telegram’s popularity grew.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Durov was arrested as part of an "ongoing judicial investigation" and that the decision was "in no way political."
In addition to his Russian citizenship, the Telegram founder holds citizenships from Saint Kitts and Nevis, the UAE, and France.