Pavel Durov, founder of the encrypted messaging service Telegram, was arrested in France on a series of alleged charges, including complicity in enabling illegal activities on the Telegram platform.
According to the Associated Press, Durov was immediately taken into custody upon his arrival at Paris-Le Bourget Airport on August 24. Though born in Russia, Durov is a dual citizen of the United Arab Emirates (where Telegram is based) and France. The United Arab Emirates is requesting access to Durov and is, in the meantime, providing him with any necessary consular services. The Russian Embassy in France has sought access to him as well.
The warrant for Durov’s arrest was issued at the request of a special unit in France’s interior ministry dedicated to investigating crimes against minors. The Prosecutor of the French Republic issued a press release covering the charges in detail (see press release below).
The Telegram founder’s charges include “complicity” in enabling illegal activity on his platform, possessing and distributing pornographic images of minors, involvement with narcotics, and fraud. Durov has not been proven to have direct involvement in any of these activities.
In light of Durov’s arrest, a spokesperson for Telegram posted on X that their platform abides by EU laws, including the Digital Services Act. The company lamented the absurdity of blaming the platform, or its founder, for any abuses taking place on it, as the French prosecution had done.
Since Durov’s arrest, several public figures have come to his support, dismayed over his situation and the consequences it may have on freedom of speech. One of these is Elon Musk, who posted “#FreePavel” on X. Musk also mocked one of the slogan words of the French Revolution, “Liberté,” in a subsequent post, implying the French prosecution had ignored one of the key principles of its republic with the arrest of Durov.
French President Emmanuel Macron posted a defensive comment in response to the dissent many individuals have expressed over Durov’s arrest, which he deemed to be “false information.” The president maintained France’s “deep commitment” to freedom of expression along with rule of law in respect to the arrest of Durov. Macron also stated the arrest was “in no way a political decision.” Musk told the French President that it would be helpful to know the reason why Durov was arrested.
Durov’s arrest led Musk to speculate what may happen to freedom of speech in the future:
Durov was detained by French police for four days and questioned about the allegations with which he’s been charged. On August 28, he was released from police custody. Durov will be brought to court for a first appearance and potential indictment, according to the prosecution.
