Telegram founder Pavel Durov released from custody in Paris amid free speech concerns
Founder and CEO of Telegram Pavel Durov delivers a keynote speech during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain February 23, 2016. (Reuters Photo)
French prosecutors released Telegram CEO Pavel Durov from police custody on Wednesday following four days of questioning regarding allegations that the messaging app is being used for illegal activities.
Durov was detained on Saturday at Le Bourget airport, located outside Paris, as part of a judicial inquiry that commenced last month. The investigation involves 12 alleged criminal violations.
According to a statement from the Paris prosecutor’s office, “An investigating judge has ended Pavel Durov’s police custody and will have him brought to court for a first appearance and a possible indictment.”
Allegations about Durov and reactions
Durov, who is a citizen of Russia, France, the United Arab Emirates, St. Kitts and Nevis, is facing allegations that Telegram is being used for distributing child sexual abuse material, drug trafficking and fraud.
French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the situation, asserting on Monday that Durov’s arrest was not politically motivated but part of an independent investigation.
Macron posted on X that France “is deeply committed” to freedom of expression but emphasized that “freedoms are upheld within a legal framework, both on social media and in real life, to protect citizens and respect their fundamental rights.”
