SAEDNEWS: The arrest of Telegram chief executive Pavel Durov in France has set off reactions among politicians and social media activists across the world, with calls growing for the release of the 39-year-old Franco-Russian billionaire.
According to SAEDNEWS, Pavel Durov, the founder of the popular messaging application Telegram, was detained at Le Bourget Airport near Paris on Saturday evening. He is set to appear in court for alleged offenses related to his app. According to local broadcaster LCI, French authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Durov as part of a preliminary investigation into various offenses, including fraud, drug trafficking, cyber-bullying, organized crime, and promoting terrorism.
Durov, who obtained a French passport in 2021, is a Russian native and also a citizen of the UAE. The news of his detention has raised eyebrows, with some claiming the arrest may be politically motivated.
In response to the situation, Deputy Speaker of the Russian State Duma Vladislav Davankov urged Moscow to demand Durov’s immediate release. He defended Durov's contributions, stating, “Hardly anyone else has done more for the development of digital services in Russia and the world.” Davankov added, “We need to get him out of there” and has called on Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to advocate for Durov's release from custody. He suggested that if France refuses, “everything must be done to transport him to the UAE or Russia – if he agrees, of course.”
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, said that the Russian Embassy in Paris is working on a response regarding Durov’s detention. She expressed concern whether international organizations will demand his release or “swallow their tongues.” Zakharova highlighted that in 2018, various NGOs condemned a Russian court ruling against Telegram, questioning if these groups would speak out now.
The Russian Embassy has “immediately” started working on the case, as is customary when a Russian citizen is detained abroad.
American journalist Tucker Carlson commented on Durov’s arrest, viewing it as a warning to platforms that resist censorship. He noted, “Pavel Durov left Russia when the government tried to control his social media company, Telegram,” and stated that it was a Western ally that ultimately arrested him. Carlson said Durov’s situation serves as “a living warning to any platform owner who refuses to censor the truth at the behest of governments and intel agencies.”
Billionaire Elon Musk also criticized Durov's arrest, remarking, “It’s 2030 in Europe and you’re being executed for liking a meme.”
Durov's arrest arrives in a climate of increased scrutiny on digital platforms. The Cradle reported on recent bans and arrests within the online news community, highlighting a worrying trend of censorship.
With over 900 million active users, Telegram has faced allegations of enabling the spread of false information and harmful content. French broadcaster TF1 reported that Durov could face up to 20 years in prison after his court appearance on Sunday.
