Pavel Durov's Detention: A Complex Web of Allegations and Reactions
Pavel Durov, the co-founder of Telegram, was detained on Saturday at Le Bourget airport near Paris as part of a judicial inquiry that commenced last month, involving a series of twelve alleged criminal violations. According to a statement from the Paris prosecutor’s office on Wednesday, an investigating judge has concluded Durov’s police custody and will present him in court for an initial appearance, potentially leading to an indictment.
The allegations against Durov, a French citizen originally from Russia, are serious and multifaceted. They include claims that Telegram has been utilized for the distribution of child sexual abuse material, drug trafficking, fraud, and facilitating organized crime transactions. Additionally, it is alleged that Telegram has failed to comply with legal requests for information or documentation from investigators.
The arrest has sparked significant backlash in Russia, with some officials asserting that the move is politically motivated, highlighting what they perceive as a double standard in the West regarding freedom of speech. This reaction is particularly notable given the Kremlin’s previous attempts to block Telegram in 2018, which ultimately failed, leading to the lifting of the ban in 2020.
In Iran, where Telegram remains a popular communication tool despite being officially banned, Durov’s detention has drawn attention from the Islamic Republic’s supreme leader. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed veiled approval of France’s strict stance against those who “violate your governance” of the internet.
French President Emmanuel Macron clarified on Monday that Durov’s arrest is not politically motivated but rather part of an independent investigation. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Macron emphasized that while France is committed to freedom of expression, such freedoms must be exercised within a legal framework to protect citizens’ rights.
In response to Durov’s arrest, Telegram released a statement asserting its compliance with EU laws and its commitment to improving moderation practices. The platform emphasized, “It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform,” noting that nearly a billion users rely on Telegram for communication and vital information. The company expressed hope for a swift resolution to the situation, stating, “Telegram is with you all.”
Beyond his Russian citizenship, Durov also holds citizenship in the United Arab Emirates and St Kitts and Nevis. The UAE Foreign Ministry has indicated that it is closely monitoring the case and has requested that France provide Durov with necessary consular services promptly.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed hope that Durov would have adequate opportunities for legal defense, reiterating Moscow’s willingness to offer assistance as a Russian citizen, while acknowledging the complexities arising from Durov’s French citizenship.
Telegram, which boasts nearly a billion users globally, was founded by Durov and his brother following Durov’s own experiences with Russian authorities. In 2013, he divested from VKontakte, a popular Russian social networking site he had launched in 2006, amid increasing pressure from the government during a crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Russia.
Having refused to comply with demands from authorities to censor opposition voices and hand over user data during the 2013-2014 Ukrainian uprising, Durov ultimately left Russia. The subsequent crackdown on digital communication in Russia led to Telegram’s rise as a favored platform for secure communication and news sharing, particularly during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where it remains a vital source of information.
