French Prosecutors Release Telegram CEO Pavel Durov After Four-Day Detention
French prosecutors have concluded their questioning of Telegram’s Chief Executive, Pavel Durov, releasing him from police custody after four days. Durov’s detention began on Saturday at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, amid a judicial inquiry into allegations of twelve criminal violations associated with the messaging platform.
According to a statement from the Paris prosecutor’s office, an investigating judge has decided to release Durov but will summon him to court for an initial appearance, which may lead to an indictment. The allegations against Durov, a Russian-born French citizen, include serious accusations such as the use of Telegram for child sexual abuse material, drug trafficking, fraud, and facilitating organized crime. Additionally, it is claimed that Telegram has not complied with legal requests for information or documentation from investigators.
The arrest has sparked significant backlash in Russia, with some officials labeling it as politically motivated and indicative of a double standard regarding freedom of speech in the West. This reaction is particularly notable given that Russian authorities attempted to block Telegram in 2018 but ultimately lifted the ban in 2020.
In Iran, where Telegram remains a popular communication tool despite being officially banned, Durov’s arrest drew comments from the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who commended France for its strict stance against those who infringe upon internet governance.
French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the situation, asserting that Durov’s arrest was not politically driven but rather part of an independent investigation. He emphasized France’s commitment to freedom of expression, while also underscoring the necessity of operating within a legal framework to protect citizens’ rights.
In response to the unfolding events, Telegram released a statement asserting its compliance with European Union laws and highlighting that its moderation practices are continually evolving to meet industry standards. The company expressed its belief that it is unreasonable to hold a platform or its owner accountable for the misuse of that platform, noting that nearly a billion users rely on Telegram for communication and vital information.
Beyond his French 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 situation and has requested that France provide Durov with necessary consular services promptly.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed hope that Durov would have adequate legal defense opportunities and reiterated Moscow’s readiness to assist him as a Russian citizen, albeit acknowledging the complexities introduced by his French citizenship.
Durov co-founded Telegram with his brother after facing pressure from Russian authorities, having previously sold his stake in VKontakte, a major Russian social networking site, in 2013. His departure from Russia was precipitated by government demands to suppress online communities of opposition activists and to surrender user data related to pro-democracy protests.
As Telegram continues to be a vital communication tool, especially in Ukraine, where it is used for news dissemination and alerts regarding military actions, it faces scrutiny from Western governments over its content moderation practices. Critics argue that the platform’s lax approach may facilitate illegal activities, including money laundering and the distribution of exploitative material. In 2022, German authorities imposed fines on Telegram for failing to establish lawful reporting mechanisms for illegal content, underscoring ongoing regulatory challenges for the platform.
