Kremlin Warns France Over Arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Amid Content Control Charges

PARIS, August 28, 2024 — The Kremlin has issued a stark warning to France following the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport last week.

The Russian government condemned the accusations leveled against the tech billionaire, describing them as “very serious” and suggesting that they could be part of a broader attempt to intimidate Durov and restrict free speech.

The 39-year-old CEO, who holds dual citizenship in the United Arab Emirates and France, was taken into custody by French authorities amid allegations that Telegram had failed to curb the spread of illegal content on its platform.

French prosecutors have charged Durov with negligence, citing Telegram’s alleged inability to tackle the proliferation of illicit material on the messaging app, which boasts millions of users worldwide. Durov and his company have vehemently denied these accusations.

“The charges are indeed very serious, and they require no less serious evidence,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said during a press briefing on Tuesday.

“Otherwise, this would be a direct attempt to restrict freedom of communication, and, I might even say, to directly intimidate the head of a large company.”

Peskov’s comments highlight Moscow’s growing concerns about the detention of the tech tycoon, who is celebrated in Russia for founding Telegram, one of the most widely used messaging services in the country.

“That is to say, precisely the policy that Mr. Macron denied yesterday,” Peskov added, referring to French President Emmanuel Macron’s statement on Monday that there was no political motive behind Durov’s arrest.

Questions Raised Over Arrest Timing

Durov’s arrest has sparked widespread speculation, with many questioning the timing and circumstances surrounding the detention of one of the world’s most prominent tech leaders.

A source close to the case confirmed that Durov’s detention has been extended until Wednesday, pending further investigation by French authorities.

The arrest has also put a spotlight on France’s stance toward regulating online platforms. Over recent years, the French government has been at the forefront of the European Union’s efforts to tighten control over digital platforms, with the aim of combating illegal content such as hate speech, disinformation, and terrorist propaganda.

Telegram, which offers encrypted messaging and has long promoted itself as a defender of free speech, has repeatedly come under scrutiny for its perceived role in enabling the spread of such content.

President Macron, seeking to distance himself from any political overtones, insisted that the charges against Durov were strictly legal and unrelated to France’s broader regulatory ambitions.

However, the Kremlin’s forceful response underscores the potential for this case to escalate into a diplomatic issue.

UAE Requests Consular Access

Adding an international dimension to the case, the UAE government confirmed on Tuesday that it had requested consular services for Durov and was closely monitoring the developments.

Durov, who obtained UAE citizenship in recent years, has significant business interests in the Gulf region, and the Emirates’ involvement is likely to add further pressure on French authorities to ensure transparency in the proceedings.

As the case unfolds, all eyes remain on the French judicial system and how it will balance its desire to regulate online content with the international ramifications of detaining a high-profile figure like Pavel Durov.

With questions swirling around the broader implications for digital freedom and platform accountability, the arrest of the Telegram founder could prove to be a landmark moment in the ongoing global debate over the role of tech giants in shaping modern communication.