Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Rabat – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has called on France to ensure all necessary consular services are provided to Telegram CEO Pavel Durov following his recent detention at Paris-Le Bourget Airport.
Durov, who holds Emirati citizenship, was arrested on Saturday as part of an ongoing judicial inquiry into alleged criminal activities linked to the Telegram messaging app.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that safeguarding the interests and well-being of its citizens is a “top priority.” The ministry confirmed that it has formally requested the French government to extend full consular support to Durov, who is also a citizen of France, Russia, and St. Kitts and Nevis.
The 39-year-old Telegram chief, originally from Russia but with a diverse international background, was detained based on an investigation opened last month. The Paris prosecutor’s office indicated that the inquiry involves 12 alleged criminal violations, including accusations that Telegram has been used for illicit activities such as money laundering and drug trafficking.
French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the situation on Monday, stating that Durov’s detention is not politically motivated but is part of an independent legal process. Macron reiterated France’s commitment to freedom of expression, noting that this freedom operates within the bounds of law to protect citizens and their fundamental rights.
“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,” he said on X.
The Russian government has reacted strongly to Durov’s arrest, with officials labeling it as politically driven and indicative of the West’s double standards regarding free speech, Al Jazeera reported.
Durov’s arrest has sparked significant criticism online, particularly regarding what many view as an infringement on freedom of speech. Figures like X CEO Elon Musk and infamous whistleblower Edward Snowden have condemned the move, with Snowden describing it as an “assault on the basic human rights of speech and association.”
Using the hashtag #FreePavel, Musk echoed concerns over what he described as increasing restrictions on freedom of expression in Europe.
In response, Telegram has defended its practices, asserting that it complies with European Union regulations and maintains content moderation standards that align with industry norms. The company also noted that Durov “has nothing to hide and travels frequently in Europe.”
