French authorities have extended the detention of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, citing allegations of fraud, organized crime, and more, as questions arise about the implications for free speech.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
French judicial authorities have extended the detention of Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov following his unexpected arrest at Paris’ Le Bourget airport on Saturday. Durov, who holds Russian, French, and UAE citizenship, is being held for “questioning” amid a series of serious allegations, including fraud, drug trafficking, organized crime, terrorism promotion, and cyber-bullying on the popular encrypted messaging platform.
According to Le Monde, Durov’s detention was extended by the investigative magistrate handling the case, and it could last up to 96 hours. After this period, the judge will decide whether to charge Durov or release him. However, in more severe cases, detention can be extended up to 144 hours, or six days.
France’s Office for the Prevention of Violence against Minors (OFMIN) had issued an arrest warrant for Durov in a preliminary investigation into these alleged offenses. Durov is accused of failing to take adequate action to curb the criminal use of Telegram, which has over 900 million users worldwide. In response, Telegram stated that “It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform,” emphasizing that the company abides by EU laws, including the Digital Services Act.
The arrest has sparked a significant backlash, particularly from Russian officials and media, who have questioned the validity of the charges against Durov. Russian newspapers have suggested that the arrest could have broader geopolitical implications, with some speculating that it might be linked to efforts to undermine Russian influence.
Geopolitical analyst Arnaud Bertrand criticized the arrest, noting the apparent irony in Durov’s situation. Durov acquired French citizenship in 2021 through the “eminent foreigner” process, which grants nationality to foreigners who contribute to the influence of France and its international relations. Bertrand pointed out, “Three years later France arrests the guy for doing the very same ‘eminent actions’ they’d granted him citizenship for three years earlier. Make it make sense.”
This is insane. Pavel Durov actually acquired French nationality in 2021 through an exceptional procedure: the so-called "eminent foreigner" process. Initiated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, it grants French nationality to "a French-speaking foreigner who contributes through… https://t.co/BPfHoTTb6E
— Arnaud Bertrand (@RnaudBertrand) August 26, 2024
Durov has long been viewed as an antagonist by the Russian government, particularly after fleeing Russia in 2014 following his refusal to censor content or share user data with the Kremlin. His arrest in France has been met with concern from free speech advocates, who fear that it could set a dangerous precedent for the treatment of tech leaders and platforms that prioritize user privacy and encryption.
Telegram has maintained that Durov has nothing to hide and travels frequently across Europe. The company insists that its moderation policies are within industry standards and that it complies with European Union regulations.
As Durov’s detention continues, the case is drawing international attention, with many watching closely to see how it will unfold and what implications it might have for the future of digital platforms and free speech.
For more details, see the original report from Le Monde and Arnaud Bertrand’s analysis on X.
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