The UAE has stepped in to support Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, following his arrest in France. On Tuesday, the UAE’s foreign ministry announced it has requested consular assistance for Durov, who was detained at Paris-Le Bourget Airport over accusations related to the platform’s management of illegal content.
“The UAE is closely monitoring the situation involving Pavel Durov, who has been arrested by French authorities,” the statement read. “We have urgently requested that the French government provide him with all necessary consular services.”
Durov, who is also a French citizen and has a net worth estimated at $15.5 billion, was taken into custody late Saturday. He faces allegations of not adequately addressing illegal content on Telegram, which boasts over 900 million users. Telegram has denied these claims, stating that it adheres to industry standards and EU regulations.
French President Emmanuel Macron has denied any political motives behind Durov’s detention, which was extended for further questioning until Wednesday.
The Kremlin has yet to receive details from France regarding the specific charges against Durov. Telegram has emphasized that Durov regularly travels throughout Europe and that the platform complies with European regulations, including the Digital Services Act.
“It is unfounded to hold a platform or its owner accountable for misuse,” Telegram stated.
