NAIROBI, Kenya – French President Emmanuel Macron has rejected claims that the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was politically motivated.
In a statement, Macron clarified that Durov’s detention was a result of a judicial investigation, underscoring the independence of the French legal system.
“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,” Macron stated.
Macron’s remarks come after Durov was apprehended at Le Bourget Airport in France on Saturday, following his private jet’s landing.
Reports suggest that the arrest warrant is linked to allegations concerning Telegram’s moderation policies.
Durov is accused of failing to implement adequate measures to prevent the platform from being used for criminal activities.
The French president further reiterated France’s commitment to maintaining a balance between freedom of expression and the rule of law.
“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,” he added.
Telegram, responding to the arrest, defended its CEO, asserting that their moderation practices are in line with industry standards and are continually being improved.
“It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform,” the messaging service stated, dismissing allegations that Durov was negligent in curbing the misuse of the platform.
Durov, a 39-year-old entrepreneur, was born in Russia and currently resides in Dubai, where Telegram is headquartered.
Holding citizenship of the United Arab Emirates and France, Durov has been a vocal advocate for digital privacy.
Telegram, popular in Russia, Ukraine, and other former Soviet states, faced a ban in Russia in 2018 after Durov refused to hand over user data to Russian authorities. The ban was lifted in 2021.
In a statement, Macron clarified that Durov’s detention was a result of a judicial investigation, underscoring the independence of the French legal system.
“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,” Macron stated.
Macron’s remarks come after Durov was apprehended at Le Bourget Airport in France on Saturday, following his private jet’s landing.
Reports suggest that the arrest warrant is linked to allegations concerning Telegram’s moderation policies.
Durov is accused of failing to implement adequate measures to prevent the platform from being used for criminal activities.
The French president further reiterated France’s commitment to maintaining a balance between freedom of expression and the rule of law.
“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,” he added.
Telegram, responding to the arrest, defended its CEO, asserting that their moderation practices are in line with industry standards and are continually being improved.
“It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform,” the messaging service stated, dismissing allegations that Durov was negligent in curbing the misuse of the platform.
Durov, a 39-year-old entrepreneur, was born in Russia and currently resides in Dubai, where Telegram is headquartered.
Holding citizenship of the United Arab Emirates and France, Durov has been a vocal advocate for digital privacy.
Telegram, popular in Russia, Ukraine, and other former Soviet states, faced a ban in Russia in 2018 after Durov refused to hand over user data to Russian authorities. The ban was lifted in 2021.
