A conversation about Roger Ver: the world's first crypto billionaire and WikiLeaks donor
20 november 2024 | Forum for Democracy Intl
Roger Ver, a name familiar to many within the freedom movement, is facing nothing less than 109 years in prison. Who is this man, and why has he been pursued by the US government for decades?
A Pioneer of freedom
Roger Ver is known as the very first Bitcoin billionaire. He was one of the first people to recognize the potential of cryptocurrencies to end the power of governments over our money system. However, his beliefs quickly brought him into conflict with the US. In 2022, he was sentenced to 10 months in prison for selling fireworks without a licence - a political punishment designed to silence him.
But Roger Ver did not allow himself to be broken. He continued to follow his ideals, both in the crypto world and beyond. He supported initiatives promoting individual freedom and decentralisation, such as WikiLeaks (by Julian Assange), the anti-lockdown movement and other campaigns against government coercion.
Lawfare: a political weapon
Today, Ver is facing new charges, this time around alleged ‘tax issues’. This is part of a broader trend: lawfare, or the use of legal means to silence political opponents. What we see here is a classic attempt by the powerful to silence a voice of freedom.
The US government, which previously treated whistleblowers like Edward Snowden and Julian Assange in the same way, is now setting its sights on Roger Ver. The goal? To eliminate not only him, but everything he stands for: individual freedom, opposition to corruption, and a world without extensive state control.
On Wednesday 20 November at 16:00, FVD will discuss Roger Ver, including John Laughland, Jerm Warfare and Ver's lawyer Tracy Thurman. The conversation can be watched live here.
Our call to action
Forum for Democracy stands for sovereignty, freedom and the fight against oppression. We see the attack on Roger Ver not just as an attack on one man, but as an attack on everyone fighting for a better, freer world. This is why we continue to call for the protection of pioneers like Ver and an end to this kind of politically motivated persecution.
Donate to FVD, support our fight and let's work together for a world where people like Roger Ver can continue to fight for our freedoms. Get involved and make your voice heard. Together we will make a difference!