French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the recent arrest of Pavel Durov, the CEO of the widely-used messaging app Telegram, emphasizing that the action was not politically motivated. Durov was detained on Saturday at Le Bourget airport as part of a judicial investigation initiated last month, which involves allegations of 12 criminal violations, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office.
Details of the Investigation
The prosecutor’s office outlined the suspected violations, which range from complicity in selling child pornography and drug trafficking to fraud and abetting organized crime transactions. Additionally, Durov is accused of failing to comply with legal requests for information and documentation from investigators.
In a statement on the social media platform X, Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to freedom of expression, while underscoring that such freedoms must operate within a legal framework designed to protect citizens and uphold their fundamental rights. He firmly stated that the arrest was not a political decision and that the matter would be determined by the judiciary.
Durov’s detention has been extended until Monday night, with the possibility of prolongation until Wednesday evening, at which point authorities must either charge him or release him. Durov holds citizenship in Russia, France, the United Arab Emirates, and St. Kitts and Nevis.
International Reactions
The arrest has sparked outrage among Russian officials, some of whom have labeled it a politically motivated act, indicative of a double standard regarding freedom of speech in the West. This response has raised eyebrows among Kremlin critics, particularly given that Russian authorities attempted to block Telegram in 2018 but ultimately withdrew the ban in 2020.
Founded by Durov and his brother, Telegram has amassed nearly a billion users globally, serving as a platform for communication and news sharing, particularly in regions experiencing political unrest. Durov himself faced significant pressure from Russian authorities in the past, leading to his departure from the country after he refused to comply with demands to censor opposition voices on his previous social networking site, VKontakte.
Telegram’s Position
Following Durov’s arrest, Telegram issued a statement asserting its compliance with EU laws and emphasizing that its moderation practices align with industry standards. The company expressed its commitment to providing a platform for nearly a billion users, stating, “It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform.”
As the situation unfolds, the French investigative judge has extended Durov’s detention, allowing for further questioning. Under French law, he can be held for up to four days before a decision must be made regarding charges or release. Meanwhile, the Russian Embassy in Paris reported that consular officials have been denied access to Durov, as French authorities regard his French citizenship as primary.
In a show of support, Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X, posted “#freePavel” following the arrest. The incident has reignited discussions around Telegram’s content moderation practices, with Western governments frequently criticizing the platform for its perceived laxity, which has led to concerns regarding its potential use in illegal activities.
In recent years, Telegram has faced scrutiny from various governments, including fines from Germany for failing to establish lawful reporting mechanisms for illegal content and a temporary suspension in Brazil due to its non-compliance with police inquiries related to neo-Nazi activities.