The Kremlin’s new attack on free speech will backfire

The Telegram ban shows that Putin fears losing control – but it will mean more Russians escape the state’s hegemonic narrative

by Mikhail Khodorkovsky

The Kremlin is once again attempting to tighten its grip on Russian society, this time turning its attention to Telegram, a platform that has been deeply embedded in the country’s digital, economic and military life.

Although no formal announcement of an outright ban has been made, the platform is expected to be effectively banned on April 1.