Pavel Durov, the Russian-born billionaire and CEO of Telegram, was arrested at Le Bourget airport near Paris. The arrest has sparked international reactions, including criticism from Moscow and social media mogul Elon Musk.
Key Takeaways
- Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, arrested at Le Bourget airport, France.
- Durov holds dual French and UAE citizenship.
- Arrest linked to alleged lack of moderation on Telegram.
- Moscow demands Durov’s rights be respected.
- Elon Musk criticizes the arrest as an attack on free speech in Europe.
Arrest Details
Pavel Durov was detained shortly after landing on a private jet from Azerbaijan. French police sources revealed that Durov was on a passenger list flagged for an arrest warrant in France. The arrest is part of a preliminary investigation into Telegram’s alleged failure to moderate content and cooperate with law enforcement.
Telegram’s Response
Telegram issued a statement asserting that the platform abides by EU laws, including the Digital Services Act. The company emphasized that Durov has nothing to hide and frequently travels in Europe. Telegram also argued that it is unreasonable to hold the platform or its owner responsible for misuse by users.
International Reactions
The arrest has led to a flurry of reactions from various quarters:
- Moscow: Russian officials have demanded that Durov’s rights be respected. Russian lawmaker Maria Butina labeled Durov as a political prisoner and a victim of a Western witch-hunt.
- Elon Musk: The owner of X (formerly Twitter) criticized the arrest, suggesting that free speech in Europe is under threat.
- France: The French Interior Ministry, police, and Paris prosecutor’s office have not commented on the arrest.
Background on Telegram and Durov
Founded by Durov, Telegram is an encrypted messaging app with nearly 1 billion users. The platform is particularly influential in Russia, Ukraine, and former Soviet republics. Durov, who left Russia in 2014, has been a vocal advocate for user privacy and freedom of speech.
Legal and Security Concerns
Telegram has faced scrutiny from several European countries over security and data breach concerns. Durov has previously accused U.S. law enforcement agencies of seeking backdoor access to the platform. Despite these challenges, Telegram remains committed to protecting user privacy and human rights.
Conclusion
The arrest of Pavel Durov has ignited a complex debate about free speech, privacy, and the responsibilities of social media platforms. As the investigation unfolds, the world will be watching closely to see how this high-stakes drama plays out.