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Highlights
- Pavel Durov was detained in France on charges related to criminal activities on Telegram.
- French authorities extended Durov's detention to 96 hours for further questioning.
- The arrest sparked widespread support and the #FREEDUROV campaign on social media.
Pavel Durov, CEO of the popular messaging platform Telegram, was arrested in France on Sunday, August 25. The detention was initiated on charges related to his alleged failure to moderate criminal activities on his platform. Now, a French magistrate has extended the Telegram CEO’s detention by 96 hours.
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Faces 96-Hour Detention
Durov’s arrest has sent shockwaves through the tech industry. Moreover, it ignited debates over the balance between free speech and the legal responsibilities of social media platforms. On Sunday, Durov was detained at Le Bourget airport near Paris as he disembarked from his private jet.
Following his arrest, French officials have extended Durov’s detention for up to 96 hours for further questioning, according to a report by India Today. During this period, French authorities will decide whether to charge him or release him from custody. The extension of his detention underscores the gravity of the allegations against him.
The French Air Transport Gendarmerie carried out the arrest based on a search warrant issued by the OFMIN of the French judicial police. Alongside Durov, his bodyguard and an unidentified woman were also taken into custody. The charges against the Telegram CEO are severe, including terrorism, drug trafficking, and money laundering.
Furthermore, he is also accused of the distribution of illegal content, involving child exploitation material via Telegram. French authorities have raised concerns about his social media app’s role in enabling various illegal activities due to its lack of content moderation. Additionally, investigators believe that Durov’s actions, or lack thereof, have transformed Telegram into a haven for organized crime.
Moreover, Telegram is facing scrutiny in India. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is probing the social media app for gambling and money extortion. “The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) (under MHA) and MeitY have been looking into P2P communications on Telegram,” said a government official, according to a MoneyControl report.
France President Clears The Air
In a statement on X, French President Emmanuel Macron debunked rumors of political involvement in the Telegram CEO’s arrest. Macron emphasized France’s commitment to freedom of expression and the rule of law.
Macron stated, “France is deeply committed to freedom of expression and communication, to innovation, and to the spirit of entrepreneurship. It will remain so. In a state governed by the rule of law, freedoms are upheld within a legal framework, both on social media and in real life, to protect citizens and respect their fundamental rights. It is up to the judiciary, in full independence, to enforce the law.”
Macron further clarified that Pavel Durov’s arrest was part of an ongoing judicial investigation and was not a political decision. “The arrest of the president of Telegram on French soil took place as part of an ongoing judicial investigation. It is in no way a political decision. It is up to the judges to rule on the matter,” Macron added.
However, tech industry leaders and celebrities have slammed French authorities for the crackdown. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been particularly vocal, sharing an old interview of Durov with American journalist Tucker Carlson. In the interview, Durov discussed alleged intimidation tactics by the U.S. Government and the FBI.
Musk suggested that Durov is being targeted for his refusal to succumb to governmental pressures. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent advocate for free speech, also expressed outrage, stating, “France just arrested Pavel Durov, founder & CEO of the encrypted, uncensored Telegram platform. The need to protect free speech has never been more urgent.” In addition, Tron founder Justin Sun, and Andrew Tate also sided with the Telegram CEO.
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