Paris, France – The founder of the messaging app Telegram, Pavel Durov, is currently under interrogation in connection with a case, with his brother Nikolai Durov’s whereabouts unknown. The prosecutor’s office has stated that Pavel Durov is the sole individual being questioned at this time.
Telegram has strongly denied any wrongdoing following Pavel Durov’s arrest, asserting that they comply with all European Union laws and that their founder has nothing to hide. The platform emphasizes its commitment to abiding by the law and claims that neither the platform nor its founder can be held accountable for any misuse of the service.
Pavel Durov, a tech entrepreneur with Russian, French, and Emirati citizenship, founded Telegram in 2013. The app has since garnered nearly one billion users globally and has become a crucial tool for various groups, including political dissidents, military leaders, and criminals. Telegram adheres to a policy of not removing posts that violate local speech restrictions or divulging user data to governments.
Relations between Durov and the Kremlin have been contentious, with Russian state media reporting that Moscow intends to demand consular access to Durov. France has been cautioned by the Kremlin to provide substantial evidence against Pavel Durov, while French President Emmanuel Macron has denied any involvement in Durov’s arrest.
While Durov’s interrogation period has been extended to the maximum of 96 hours, the United Arab Emirates has requested consular access to him. Despite the UAE’s offer of assistance, Durov has reportedly declined their help. The Paris public prosecutor’s office has affirmed that foreign nationals in police custody have the right to contact their country’s consular authorities.
The outcome of Pavel Durov’s interrogation is awaited, as the Telegram CEO could potentially face charges or be released after the 96-hour period concludes. Elon Musk, a prominent figure in the tech industry, has condemned Durov’s arrest, aligning with advocates of free speech around the world. Telegram’s approach to content moderation mirrors Musk’s own ideals, showcasing a commitment to unrestricted expression on the platform.