Russia Questions Legitimacy of France’s Arrest Warrant for Telegram’s Pavel Durov

Russia has issued a stern rebuke to France over the recent arrest warrant issued for Pavel Durov, the CEO and founder of the popular messaging app Telegram.

The Kremlin has raised significant concerns about the validity of the charges against Durov, suggesting that the move could be politically motivated.

On Saturday, the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office issued a warrant for Durov’s arrest, citing an ongoing investigation into organized crime, drug trafficking, fraud, and the distribution of pornographic images of minors on Telegram.

This development came as a shock to many, given Durov’s prominence as a leading technology entrepreneur and a vocal advocate for internet freedom.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded sharply to the French authorities’ actions during a press briefing on Tuesday.

Peskov demanded that Paris provide concrete evidence to substantiate the serious allegations against Durov.

He warned that without a robust basis for these accusations, the arrest could be perceived as a direct assault on free speech and a potential act of political intimidation.

“The charges against Durov are gravely serious and must be supported by equally serious evidence,” Peskov told journalists. “Otherwise, it could be viewed as an attempt to stifle communication and suppress freedom of expression.”

Durov, who is a Russian-born but holds French and UAE citizenship, has been a significant figure in the tech industry.

His company, Telegram, which he founded in 2013, is renowned for its commitment to privacy and has become a crucial platform for global communication, including in politically volatile regions.

The Russian government has emphasized its readiness to provide assistance to Durov, although it acknowledges the complexity of the situation.

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates, where Durov also holds citizenship, has requested urgent diplomatic support from French officials and is closely monitoring the case.

Durov’s arrest comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension between Russia and France. Relations have been strained by France’s strong stance against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.

This backdrop has fueled speculation that Durov’s detention might be more about political maneuvering than genuine legal concerns.

According to reports, Durov had traveled to Paris from Baku, Azerbaijan, where he was rumored to have had meetings, including speculative discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin—claims that Kremlin officials have since denied.

Telegram, which boasts over 800 million users globally, including many government and military officials on both sides of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, has denied any wrongdoing.

The company has consistently defended its platform’s neutrality and commitment to user privacy.

As the situation unfolds, Russia’s challenge to the legitimacy of France’s legal actions underscores the broader tensions between the two nations and raises questions about the intersection of politics and international legal processes.

The outcome of this case may have significant implications not only for Durov but also for the broader landscape of digital freedom and diplomatic relations.