The crypto community mobilizes support for Tornado Cash developer Roman Storm as his landmark trial begins, with implications that could redefine developer rights and financial privacy protections.
Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm urgently seeks $500,000 in immediate legal funds and $1.5 million total as his high-stakes trial commences today. The developer faces charges of money laundering conspiracy and sanctions violations related to the privacy tool he created, following his 2023 arrest and two years of legal battles.
The case represents a pivotal test for crypto developer rights, with Storm’s defense arguing that writing open-source code constitutes protected free speech. A conviction could establish dangerous precedents, potentially criminalizing privacy-focused development and chilling innovation across the blockchain industry.
Ethereum’s Vitalik Buterin has contributed $170,000 to Storm’s defense, joining widespread crypto community support. Donations through freeromanstorm.com will fund expert witnesses and legal research as the trial exceeds its original two-week estimate, with outcomes that may impact financial privacy rights globally.
CryptoFeedHub Note: This article is a rewritten summary based on external reporting. Original source: CryptoSlate.