Pavel Durov, the CEO of the messaging app Telegram, is expected to learn more about his fate at 20:00 CET on Wednesday. French prosecutors are set to either charge or release him after his police custody order expires. Durov was detained at Le Bourget airport outside Paris on Saturday as part of a judicial inquiry involving allegations of criminal violations related to child sexual abuse material, drug trafficking, fraud, organized crime transactions, and Telegram’s refusal to share information with investigators. His police custody order was extended for up to 48 hours on Monday, and if charged, judges will consider his flight risk due to his multiple nationalities.
Durov’s arrest has sparked international outrage and support. In Russia, government officials have called it politically motivated and a double standard on freedom of speech. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow is ready to provide assistance to Durov as a Russian citizen, despite the complications of his dual French citizenship. In Iran, where Telegram is banned but widely used, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praised France for its strict actions against those who violate internet governance. French President Emmanuel Macron clarified that Durov’s arrest was part of an independent investigation and not a political move.
Telegram, in a statement following Durov’s arrest, emphasized its compliance with EU laws and improvement in moderation standards. The platform stated that it is absurd to hold the platform responsible for the abuse that occurs on it, as almost a billion users globally rely on Telegram for communication and information. Durov also holds UAE nationality, and the UAE Foreign Ministry is closely following the case and has requested France to provide Durov with necessary consular services urgently.
The outcome of Durov’s situation remains uncertain as French prosecutors consider their next steps following his police custody expiration. International support for Durov as a Russian and French citizen has been vocal, with Russia denouncing the arrest as politically motivated. Iran’s supreme leader applauded France for its strict actions against internet violators, while France maintains that Durov’s arrest was part of an independent investigation. Telegram has assured its users of compliance with EU laws and industry standards while awaiting a resolution to the situation involving its CEO.
The potential charges against Pavel Durov include a range of criminal violations related to Telegram’s use in facilitating illegal activities such as child sexual abuse material, drug trafficking, and fraud. France has extended Durov’s police custody order, and his possible pretrial detention may factor in his multiple nationalities and potential flight risk. International scrutiny on the arrest has heightened with support from Russia and Iran, as well as assurances of legal assistance from both countries to the Telegram CEO. The global community awaits the resolution of Durov’s situation and the impact it may have on freedom of expression and internet governance.
