In a statement on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron denied that the arrest in France of the CEO of the popular messaging app Telegram, Pavel Durov, was politically motivated, emphasizing that it was part of an independent investigation.
The statement follows the recent arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, who is facing allegations of complicity in selling child sexual abuse material and drug trafficking, fraud, abetting organized crime transactions and refusing to share information or documents with investigators when required by law, which was reported by THE WHISTLER.
Durov was detained on Saturday at Le Bourget airport in a judicial inquiry opened last month involving 12 alleged criminal violations, the Paris prosecutor’s office said on Monday.
President Macron emphasized that France is dedicated to protecting its citizens and upholding their fundamental rights, including the freedom to express themselves.
“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 posted on the social media platform X.
He added that, “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.”
In a statement posted on its platform after his arrest, Telegram said it abides by EU laws, and its moderation is “within industry standards and constantly improving”.
“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 means of communication and as a source of vital information.
“We’re awaiting a prompt resolution of this situation. Telegram is with you all,” Telegram’s post said.
Durov’s detention was extended until Monday night and can be prolonged until Wednesday evening according to French law, which allows him to remain in custody for questioning for up to four days, before authorities must release or charge him, the prosecutor’s office said.
Durov is a citizen of Russia, France, the United Arab Emirates and the Caribbean island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Russian consular officials were denied access to Durov because French authorities view his French citizenship as his primary one.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday, “We still don’t know what exactly Durov is being accused of. … Let’s wait until the charges are announced – if they are announced.”
Early Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry of the United Arab Emirates said that it “is closely following the case” and had asked France to provide Durov “with all the necessary consular services in an urgent manner”.