France President Macron: Durov’s Arrest Not Political, Part of Legal Process

French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was linked to an ongoing judicial investigation, emphasizing that it was not a political maneuver. The Russian billionaire was detained on Saturday night at a Paris airport when his private jet landed.

Macron’s statement on Monday marked the first official acknowledgment of Durov’s arrest, nearly 48 hours after the incident. Following his detention, the Kremlin accused France of double standards regarding free speech and demanded that Durov’s rights be respected, further straining the already tense relations between Russia and France.

The reasons behind Durov’s arrest remain unclear, raising numerous questions. On Sunday, French authorities extended his detention, reportedly citing his failure to prevent offenses like fraud, drug trafficking, organized crime, and the promotion of terrorism on Telegram, according to French media sources. Durov could be held for questioning for up to 96 hours before a judge decides whether to release him or press charges.

The Russian embassy in Paris requested access to Durov but claimed that French authorities have been uncooperative, despite Durov also holding French citizenship.

Macron defended France’s commitment to freedom of expression, stating that these rights are upheld within the legal framework, both online and offline, and that it is the judiciary’s independent role to enforce the law.

Telegram responded to the situation, asserting that Durov frequently travels within Europe and has nothing to hide. The company dismissed claims that the platform or its owner should be held accountable for the misuse of the service.

Durov, who left Russia in 2014 after refusing to comply with government demands to shut down opposition groups on VKontakte, a social media platform he founded and later sold, has not made a personal statement regarding his recent arrest.