Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, has been released after four days of questioning over allegations that the messaging app is used for illegal activities.
The judge has put an end to Durov’s four-day detentionbut will be brought before a court for possible accusation. The Russian-born technology entrepreneur was transferred early Wednesday afternoon to a Paris court with a view to possible indictment, according to French media, which cited a source close to the case.
Durov was arrested on Saturday at Le Bourget airport, on the outskirts of Paris, in the framework of a judicial investigation opened last month into 12 alleged criminal violations.
These include accusations that his platform is used to sell sexual abuse material to minors and drug trafficking, fraud, complicity in organized crime operations and Telegram’s refusal to share information or documents with investigators when required by law.
The Paris Prosecutor’s Office reported in a statement that Durov’s police arrest warrant was extended on Monday night for up to 48 hours. Authorities will then have to release him or file charges against him, according to the prosecutor’s office.
Yes, if he accuses them, his risk of escape will be a factor that judges will have to include in their evaluation of possible preventive detentionaccording to French legislation. It could be quite high, since you have several nationalities.
International outrage and support
His arrest in France has caused outrage in Russiaand some government officials have called it politically motivated and evidence of the West’s double standards on freedom of expression.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov said he hopes that Durov “have all the necessary opportunities for his legal defense” and added that Moscow is “ready to provide all necessary assistance and support” to Telegram CEO as a Russian citizen.
“But the situation is complicated by the fact that he is also a citizen of France,” Peskov said.
In Iranwhere Telegram is widely used despite be officially banned after years of protests challenging the country’s Shiite theocracy, Durov’s arrest in France prompted comments from the Islamic Republic’s supreme leader.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei quietly praised France for being “strict” against those who “violate your rule” on the Internet.
The French president, Emmanuel Macronsaid on Monday that Durov’s arrest was not a political measure, but part of an independent investigation.
Macron published in X that his country “is deeply committed” to freedom of expressionbut “freedoms are defended within a legal framework, both on social networks and in real life, to protect citizens and respect their fundamental rights.”
In a statement published on his platform after Durov’s arrest, Telegram stated that it abides by EU laws and that its moderation is “within industry standards and constantly improving”.
“It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner is responsible for the abuse of that platform,” the Telegram message said.
“Almost 1 billion users around the world use Telegram as a means of communication and as a source of vital information. We are waiting for a prompt resolution of this situation. Telegram is with all of you.” Durov too has UAE nationalitywhere Telegram has its headquarters.
ADVERTISINGThe UAE Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that it was “closely following the case” and had asked France to to provide Durov with “all urgently necessary consular services”.
