French President Emmanuel Macron firmly denied any “political” motivation behind the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov on Monday, August 26. Durov, who leads the popular messaging platform with over 900 million users, was detained by French authorities on Saturday, August 24, sparking widespread speculation and controversy.
Why Was Pavel Durov Arrested?
Durov’s arrest followed allegations that Telegram failed to curb the spread of illegal content and activities on its platform, which is often criticized for being a hub for unregulated communications. According to President Macron, the arrest was the result of an ongoing judicial investigation and had no political underpinnings. “It is in no way a political decision. It is up to the judges to rule on the matter,” Macron emphasized in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The 39-year-old Russian-born billionaire, who holds dual French-Russian citizenship, was apprehended at Le Bourget airport near Paris after arriving from Azerbaijan. Reports suggest that Durov is under investigation for a series of alleged offenses, including fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and the promotion of terrorism on his platform.
Details of the Investigation
The investigation that led to Durov’s arrest is reportedly preliminary, but serious enough to warrant an international response. France’s Office for the Prevention of Violence Against Minors (OFMIN) issued an arrest warrant for Durov, as reported by AFP, the French news agency.
Following his arrest, an investigating magistrate extended Durov’s detention on Sunday, August 25. Under French law, initial detentions for questioning can last up to 96 hours. Once this period concludes, the magistrate has the option to either release Durov or formally charge and remand him in custody.
Telegram Denies Charges, Kremlin Remains Cautious
The Kremlin, meanwhile, expressed concern over the lack of information regarding Durov’s arrest. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday that they had not received any official explanation from France. “We do not know concretely what Durov is accused of. We have not heard any official declaration on this subject,” Peskov stated, urging for patience until more details emerge.
In response to the allegations, Telegram issued a statement defending Durov. The company declared that “Durov has nothing to hide and travels frequently in Europe.” Telegram also reiterated its commitment to complying with EU laws, including the Digital Services Act. “Telegram abides by EU laws, including the Digital Services Act — its moderation is within industry standards,” the statement read. The company dismissed claims that either the platform or its owner should be held accountable for the misuse of the platform by users, labeling such accusations as “absurd.”
Conclusion
As the legal proceedings unfold, the global tech community watches closely, especially given the significant implications for online privacy and platform accountability. The case highlights the ongoing tension between the need for digital platforms to maintain user freedom and the growing pressure from governments to regulate and monitor online content.