French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the recent arrest of Pavel Durov, CEO of the widely-used messaging app Telegram, clarifying that the action was not politically motivated but rather part of an independent investigation. Durov was detained at a Paris airport on Saturday under an arrest warrant that alleges his platform has been implicated in money laundering, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities.
Context of the Arrest
Durov, who holds citizenship in Russia, France, the United Arab Emirates, and St. Kitts and Nevis, has been at the center of controversy since his detention. Macron took to the social media platform X to emphasize France’s commitment to freedom of expression, while also asserting that such freedoms must operate within a legal framework designed to protect citizens and uphold their fundamental rights. He denounced the circulating misinformation regarding the arrest, stating, “It is in no way a political decision. It is up to the judges to rule on the matter.”
The Russian government has reacted strongly, with officials expressing outrage and suggesting that the arrest reflects a double standard in the West regarding freedom of speech. Telegram, founded by Durov and his brother in response to the Russian government’s crackdown on dissent following the pro-democracy protests in 2011 and 2012, has become a crucial communication tool for many, particularly in regions like Ukraine, where it serves as a vital source of news and alerts during the ongoing conflict.
Telegram’s Response
In a statement following Durov’s arrest, Telegram asserted its compliance with EU laws and emphasized that its moderation practices are continually evolving to meet industry standards. The platform stated, “It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform. Almost a billion users globally use Telegram as a means of communication and as a source of vital information. We’re awaiting a prompt resolution of this situation. Telegram is with you all.”
As the investigation unfolds, a French investigative judge has extended Durov’s detention, allowing him to be held for questioning for up to four days. Following this period, judges will need to decide whether to charge him or release him. Meanwhile, the Russian Embassy in Paris has reported that consular officials were denied access to Durov, as French authorities recognize his French citizenship as primary. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov remarked, “We still don’t know what exactly Durov is being accused of. … Let’s wait until the charges are announced – if they are announced.”
Broader Implications
The arrest has drawn attention from various quarters, including Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X, who publicly supported Durov with the hashtag “#freePavel.” Telegram has faced criticism from Western governments for its perceived lack of content moderation, which experts argue may facilitate illicit activities such as money laundering and drug trafficking. In 2022, Germany imposed fines of €5 million on Telegram for failing to establish lawful reporting mechanisms for illegal content, while Brazil temporarily suspended the app over its non-compliance in a police inquiry related to neo-Nazi activity.