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Telegram Owner Charged With Allowing Criminal Activity On His App
The 39-year-old millionaire was placed under arrest on Saturday at the Le Bourget airport south of Paris as a result of a broad judicial investigation that began last month and involved 12 suspected criminal offenses.
He was freed following four days of interrogation on Wednesday, August 28.
On Wednesday night, investigative judges brought the initial charges against him. They also mandated that he post 5 million euros in bail and appear in person at a police station twice a week.
Allegations against Russia-born Durov, a French citizen, include the use of his platform for child sexual abuse material and drug trafficking, as well as Telegram’s refusal to provide information or records with authorities as required by law.
Durov’s detention in France has sparked uproar in Russia, with some government officials claiming it was politically motivated and evidence of the West’s double standard on free speech.
On Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Durov’s detention was not politically motivated, but rather part of an independent investigation.
Macron posted on X that his country “is deeply committed” to freedom of expression but “freedoms are upheld within a legal framework, both on social media and in real life, to protect citizens and respect their fundamental rights.”
In a statement posted on its platform after Durov’s arrest, Telegram said it abides by EU laws, and its moderation is “within industry standards and constantly improving.”
“It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner is responsible for the abuse of that platform,’ Telegram’s post said.
“Almost a billion users globally use Telegram as a means of communication and as a source of vital information. We’re awaiting a prompt resolution of this situation. Telegram is with you all.”
Durov is a citizen of Russia, France, the United Arab Emirates, and the Caribbean island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
The UAE Foreign Ministry said Tuesday that it was “closely following the matter” and had asked France to give Durov “with all the necessary consular services in an urgent way.”
Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesperson, expressed optimism that Durov “has all the necessary prospects for his legal defence” and stated that Moscow is “ready to provide all necessary assistance and support” to the Telegram CEO as a Russian citizen.
“But the situation is complicated by the fact that he is also a citizen of France,” Peskov said.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
