French president comments on Telegram founder’s arrest
Emmanuel Macron. Image credit: AP Photo
MINSK, 26 August (BelTA) – The French leader Emmanuel Macron has stated that the decision on apprehending the Telegram messaging app founder Pavel Durov in France was not a political one, TASS reports.
Emmanuel Macron tweeted on X: “The Telegram boss was arrested in France as part of an ongoing investigation. It was in no way a political decision. Judges should make rulings on this case.”
Pavel Durov was apprehended in a Paris airport on 24 August. He is believed to be implicated in illegal drugs turnover, crimes against children, and frauds. The accusations stem from Telegram’s lack of sufficient moderation and the ability to transfer cryptocurrency over the app. Telegram’s refusal to cooperate with law enforcement agencies is also a factor. Pavel Durov stands trial as a French citizen and may be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.
