Macron Addresses Durov’s Arrest, Calls for Transparency and Due Process

French President Emmanuel Macron comments on the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, emphasizing the need for transparency and adherence to legal procedures amid growing international scrutiny.

There is no political agenda behind the arrest of Pavel Durov, founder and CEO of Telegram in Paris on Saturday, according to French President Emmanuel Macron.

On Monday, Macron wrote about Durov’s arrest and emphasized that it was not a political move. He explained that the detention occurred as part of an ongoing legal inquiry where judges will ultimately determine what happens to the entrepreneur.

Macron stated that France values freedom of expression and communication, innovation, and entrepreneurship above all else. He stressed the importance of adhering to laws that safeguard citizens’ fundamental rights when exercising such freedoms both online and in real-life settings within a state governed by rule of law.

“The president stated that the justice system must ensure the law is respected with complete independence.”

READ ALSO: Russia Demands Explanation from France Over Durov’s Arrest

After flying from Azerbaijan, the 39-year-old Russian was apprehended by French authorities on August 24 when his private jet arrived in Paris. He holds citizenships of France, Saint Kitts and Nevis as well as UAE.

There is yet to be a clear determination of the charges that may be brought against the tech entrepreneur; however, according to reports from various media outlets, he was arrested on an arrest warrant issued by France’s OFMIN. This agency has been designated with curbing instances of violence directed towards minors and will reportedly conduct investigations into allegations concerning fraudulent activities, drug dealing operations, cyber harassment campaigns, organized crime syndicates as well as terrorist promotion schemes.

The French media states that Durov’s arrest may be connected to purported grievances against Telegram, particularly his noncompliance with regulating content on the platform and prohibiting its utilization by perpetrators.

Telegram has maintained that they are fully adhering to EU laws and guidelines on content moderation, emphasizing the absurdity of attributing responsibility for any misuse of the platform by malicious individuals solely to Durov.