In an effort to quell swirling rumors on social media regarding the recent arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov at a French airport outside Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron clarified that the arrest was not politically motivated. Macron emphasized that the decision was part of an ongoing judicial investigation and that the matter is now in the hands of the judiciary.
“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,” President Macron stated. His remarks were aimed at addressing speculation that Durov’s arrest might be linked to political pressure or interference.
Macron took to the microblogging platform X (formerly Twitter) to further underscore France’s commitment to freedom of expression and innovation. “France is deeply committed to freedom of expression and communication, to innovation, and to the spirit of entrepreneurship. It will remain so,” Macron wrote. He added that in a state governed by the rule of law, freedoms are upheld within a legal framework, both online and offline, to protect citizens and respect their fundamental rights.
The French President reiterated that the judiciary operates independently and is responsible for enforcing the law without external influence. He condemned the spread of misinformation surrounding Durov’s arrest, stating, “It is in no way a political decision. It is up to the judges to rule on the matter.”
The arrest of Pavel Durov, who founded Telegram, has sparked controversy and debate, particularly in the context of the ongoing investigations. According to French daily Le Monde, Durov’s arrest is linked to investigations accusing Telegram of being complicit in numerous criminal activities, including drug trafficking, promoting terrorism, and cyberbullying. These allegations have put the popular messaging platform under intense scrutiny.
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In response to the arrest, Telegram issued a statement defending its operations and adherence to European Union laws, including the Digital Services Act. The company emphasized that its moderation practices align with industry standards and are constantly being improved. Telegram rejected the notion that a platform or its owner should be held responsible for abuses committed by users on the platform.
“It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform,” Telegram’s statement read. The company highlighted its global user base, which numbers nearly a billion, and stressed its role as a critical communication tool and source of information worldwide. Telegram expressed hope for a prompt resolution of the situation, stating, “Telegram is with you all.”
The Russian government also weighed in on the arrest, with officials denouncing it as politically motivated. Russian authorities accused Western nations of applying double standards regarding freedom of speech, pointing to the arrest as evidence of this hypocrisy. The incident has further strained relations between Russia and the West, adding a geopolitical dimension to the controversy.
As the judicial process unfolds, the international community will be closely watching how the case against Durov progresses. The situation underscores the growing tensions between governments and tech companies over issues of regulation, freedom of speech, and the responsibilities of digital platforms in the modern world.
