One meta-note on the situation, is that in my timeline I have seen exactly zero non-western people defending Durov's arrest, but quite a few western people.

Definitely don't want to say that they don't exist (after all, my timeline is biased just like anyone's), just this is what my sample is so far.

IMO this is another example of the decoupling of liberalism and westernism that https://x.com/MacaesBruno often talks about.

my problem with this is the use of  'freedom of speech' to defend everything. I agree that everyone is entitled to their opinion and should be able to voice it. my problem is when hate and discrimination hide behind it. it's funny when people say 'I can say what I like it's freedom of speech' but are not willing to listen to the answers they are given, it works both ways.
do I think he should of been arrested probably not, do I think he could/should control his platform better probably. what ever you agree with surely you must agree that there is no room for terrorism and hate in this world.