The Russian government has issued a stern warning to France over the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, cautioning against what it perceives as attempts to intimidate the tech billionaire.
DAILY POST reports that Durov, 39, was detained in Paris over the weekend on charges of failing to prevent the spread of illegal content on Telegram, allegations his company firmly denies.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed Russia’s concerns on Tuesday, stating, “The charges are indeed very serious and require no less serious evidence. Otherwise, this would be a direct attempt to restrict freedom of communication and, I might even say, directly intimidate the head of a large company.”
The arrest of Durov, who also holds citizenship in France, the UAE, and St. Kitts and Nevis, has sparked international attention.
French authorities apprehended him at Paris–Le Bourget Airport on Saturday after he arrived from Azerbaijan by private jet.
The Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office has outlined a series of potential charges against him, including complicity in drug dealing, money laundering, and facilitating the distribution of child pornography.
In response to the arrest, French President Emmanuel Macron stated the independence of the judiciary in a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account.
Macron reassured that the legal proceedings surrounding Durov’s detention were not politically motivated, saying, “France is deeply committed to freedom of expression and communication, to innovation, and to the spirit of entrepreneurship.
“It will remain so. In a state governed by the rule of law, freedoms are upheld within a legal framework, both on social media and in real life, to protect citizens and respect their fundamental rights.”
Macron further clarified, “The arrest of the president of Telegram on French soil took place as part of an ongoing judicial investigation. It is in no way a political decision. It is up to the judges to rule on the matter.”
Don’t intimidate him – Russia warns France over detained Telegram founder Pavel Durov
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