Telegram CEO Arrested in France, Macron refuses to be linked to political issues

Jakarta –

President of France, Emmanuel Macronhe spoke out after Telegram founder Pavel Durov was arrested at Paris airport. Macrov denied that Durov’s arrest was related to political issues.

“This is not a political decision at all. The decision is up to the judge,” Macron was quoted as saying AFPTuesday (27/8/2024).

Durov was arrested in France on Saturday afternoon (24/8) local time. This 39-year-old billionaire is accused of failing to stop the spread of illegal content on Telegram.

Durov’s detention was extended on Monday (26/8) by the French authorities. The head of Telegram will be questioned in France until next Wednesday (28/8).

Macron said his country was committed to freedom of expression. However, he said that freedom must be maintained within a legal framework.

“It is the responsibility of the judiciary, who has complete independence, to implement the law,” he said.

Durov was accused of failing to act to prevent criminal use of his platform. France’s OFMIN, an office responsible for preventing violence against minors, issued an arrest warrant for Durov in a preliminary investigation into alleged crimes including fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime and incitement to terrorism.

Telegram denied the accusations directed at Durov. Telegram said Durov had nothing to hide and often traveled in Europe.

“Telegram complies with EU law, including the Digital Services Act – its assessment is in line with industry standards,” read a statement from Telegram.

“It is unreasonable to claim that a platform or its owner is responsible for the misuse of the platform,” Telegram’s statement continued.

(gs/ygs)