The Russian Embassy in France has voiced concerns over the lack of cooperation from French authorities regarding access to Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, who was recently detained at Le Bourget Airport near Paris.
In a statement released on social media, the embassy indicated that it had quickly reached out to French officials, seeking clarification on the reasons behind Durov’s detention and requesting access to him to ensure his rights, including consular support. However, the embassy reported that French authorities have yet to respond to their inquiries.
The embassy also confirmed ongoing communication with Durov’s legal team as they work to address the situation. Durov’s arrest has garnered widespread attention, and the embassy is actively seeking to understand the circumstances surrounding his detention.
According to reports from French media, Durov’s arrest may be linked to an international warrant accusing Telegram of being involved in activities such as money laundering, drug trafficking, and facilitating the distribution of illegal content, including child exploitation materials. The 39-year-old tech entrepreneur was detained after arriving in France from Azerbaijan.
The detention has sparked outrage among Russian officials, with some suggesting that Durov’s arrest reflects a double standard on the part of Western countries regarding freedom of expression. Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, pointed out the Western backlash against Russia’s 2018 ban on Telegram, questioning whether those same voices would now advocate for Durov’s release or remain silent.
Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s former president and current deputy chairman of the Security Council, criticized Durov’s decision to leave Russia, suggesting that he made a mistake in believing he could evade cooperation with foreign intelligence agencies.
Telegram, which boasts over 900 million users, has long been under scrutiny by global law enforcement agencies due to its use by terrorist groups, drug traffickers, arms dealers, and extremist organizations for communication and coordination. Governments, particularly within the European Union, have increased pressure on tech companies to address the spread of misinformation and online extremism.
Known for its strong encryption and relatively hands-off approach to content moderation, Telegram has attracted both users seeking privacy and those involved in illicit activities. The platform’s stance on user privacy and its limited cooperation with authorities have led to growing concerns over its potential misuse.
As the situation with Pavel Durov unfolds, the Russian Embassy’s efforts to secure access to him and protect his rights underscore the diplomatic tensions this case has generated. The outcome could have significant implications for Telegram’s operations and the broader debate over online privacy, security, and content regulation.
