Macron Speaks on Durov’s Arrest
The French president stated that the arrest of the Telegram founder is tied to a continuing judicial investigation. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
French President Emmanuel Macron has refuted any political motivations behind the arrest of Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov in Paris on Saturday.
In a post on X on Monday, Macron asserted that Durov's detainment “is in no way a political decision” and is part of “an ongoing judicial investigation” that will ultimately be determined by the judges involved.
“France is more than anything attached to freedom of expression and communication, to innovation and to the spirit of enterprise,” Macron noted, emphasizing that “in a state governed by the rule of law, on social networks as in real life, freedoms are exercised within a framework established by law to protect citizens and respect their fundamental rights.”
“It is up to the justice system, in complete independence, to ensure that the law is respected,” he added.
The 39-year-old Russian, who also holds citizenship in France, the UAE, and Saint Kitts and Nevis, was apprehended by French officials after his private jet landed in Paris on August 24, having flown in from Azerbaijan.
The specific charges he may face remain unclear, but reports suggest that an arrest warrant was issued by France’s OFMIN, an agency focused on combating violence against minors, to explore allegations of fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and the promotion of terrorism.
French media indicate that Durov's arrest is likely linked to complaints regarding Telegram, specifically his reluctance to moderate content on the platform and to prevent its misuse by criminals.
In response to the situation, Telegram has asserted that it fully complies with EU laws and content-moderation guidelines, labeling the suggestion that Durov is responsible for the misuse of the platform by malicious individuals as “absurd.”
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
In a post on X on Monday, Macron asserted that Durov's detainment “is in no way a political decision” and is part of “an ongoing judicial investigation” that will ultimately be determined by the judges involved.
“France is more than anything attached to freedom of expression and communication, to innovation and to the spirit of enterprise,” Macron noted, emphasizing that “in a state governed by the rule of law, on social networks as in real life, freedoms are exercised within a framework established by law to protect citizens and respect their fundamental rights.”
“It is up to the justice system, in complete independence, to ensure that the law is respected,” he added.
The 39-year-old Russian, who also holds citizenship in France, the UAE, and Saint Kitts and Nevis, was apprehended by French officials after his private jet landed in Paris on August 24, having flown in from Azerbaijan.
The specific charges he may face remain unclear, but reports suggest that an arrest warrant was issued by France’s OFMIN, an agency focused on combating violence against minors, to explore allegations of fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and the promotion of terrorism.
French media indicate that Durov's arrest is likely linked to complaints regarding Telegram, specifically his reluctance to moderate content on the platform and to prevent its misuse by criminals.
In response to the situation, Telegram has asserted that it fully complies with EU laws and content-moderation guidelines, labeling the suggestion that Durov is responsible for the misuse of the platform by malicious individuals as “absurd.”
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
