On Tuesday, the Kremlin criticized France for the “very serious” charges against Telegram CEO Pavel Durov and cautioned Paris against using intimidation tactics after Durov’s recent arrest at a Paris airport.
French prosecutors allege that Durov, a 39-year-old billionaire, failed to control illegal content on Telegram, a claim his company disputes. French President Emmanuel Macron has denied any political motives behind the arrest.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov responded, “The charges are indeed serious and need substantial evidence. Otherwise, it could be seen as an attempt to restrict communication freedom and intimidate a major company leader,” adding that this contradicts Macron’s earlier statements.
There are growing concerns about the timing and conditions of Durov’s detention, which a source said has been extended until Wednesday. Durov holds both French and Russian citizenship, and Telegram has noted his dual nationality with the UAE and France.
The UAE has requested consular support for Durov and is closely monitoring the situation.
