Paris: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is closely monitoring the situation involving Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, following his arrest in France.
Durov, a Russian-born entrepreneur who became a UAE citizen in 2021, was detained at Paris-Le Bourget Airport on Saturday. French authorities extended his detention on Sunday as part of an investigation into serious allegations related to the operations of his popular messaging app.
The Paris prosecutor’s office revealed that Durov, 39, is under investigation for a series of alleged criminal activities linked to Telegram, including fraud, drug trafficking, organized crime, promotion of terrorism, and cyberbullying. The investigation, which began last month, led to a warrant for his arrest.
As the investigation progresses, French judicial authorities have the option to either press charges or release Durov after his detention period concludes. Under French law, Durov can be held in custody for up to four days before a decision must be made.
In response to Durov’s detention, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) issued a statement on Tuesday emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding the interests of its citizens abroad. The ministry confirmed that it had requested the French government to provide Durov with all necessary consular services as a matter of urgency.
“Caring for citizens, preserving their interests, following up on their affairs, and providing them with all aspects of care are a top priority for the UAE,” the ministry stated.
Durov, who also holds citizenship in Russia, France, and the Caribbean island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis, is known for his nomadic lifestyle, frequently traveling across various countries without being tied to a single location.
French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the situation on Monday, stressing that the investigation is not politically motivated. He reaffirmed France’s commitment to freedom of expression, while noting that such freedoms must be exercised within the bounds of the law to protect citizens’ rights.
“France is deeply committed to freedom of expression, but freedoms are upheld within a legal framework, both on social media and in real life, to protect citizens and respect their fundamental rights,” Macron stated on social media.
Telegram, in a statement, defended its operations, asserting that the platform adheres to European Union laws and continuously improves its content moderation practices. The company emphasized that Durov has “nothing to hide” and frequently travels within Europe.
As of Monday evening, Durov’s detention was extended for up to 48 hours, with the French investigative judge yet to decide on whether to file formal charges. The case continues to unfold, with both the UAE and Russia closely watching the developments.
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