The Russian government has issued a strong warning to France concerning the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, urging against what it sees as an effort to intimidate the tech entrepreneur. Durov, 39, was detained in Paris on allegations of failing to curb illegal content on his messaging platform, claims that Telegram has firmly denied.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov voiced Russia’s concerns, emphasizing that the charges against Durov are serious and should be backed by substantial evidence. Peskov warned that without proper evidence, the arrest could be viewed as an attempt to restrict communication freedoms and intimidate a major company leader.
Durov, who holds multiple citizenships, including French, Emirati, and St. Kitts and Nevis, was detained at Paris–Le Bourget Airport after arriving from Azerbaijan by private jet. The Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office has listed potential charges, including complicity in drug dealing, money laundering, and facilitating the distribution of child pornography.
In response, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the independence of the judiciary, stating that Durov’s arrest was part of an ongoing judicial investigation, not a political move. Macron reassured that France remains committed to freedom of expression, innovation, and the rule of law, both online and offline, to protect citizens and uphold fundamental rights.
