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French President Emmanuel Macron has firmly denied allegations that the arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov was politically motivated, amid growing speculation surrounding the detention.
Durov, who remains in French custody following his unexpected arrest at a Paris airport, faces accusations related to the spread of illegal content on Telegram, his widely-used encrypted messaging platform.
Despite Macron’s insistence that Durov’s arrest is purely a judicial matter, doubts persist, particularly given Durov’s previous refusal to allow Telegram to become a politically oriented platform.
Read Also: French Authorities Extend Detention of Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Amid Ongoing Investigation
Macron addressed the issue head-on on X (previously Twitter), labeling allegations of political involvement as “false information.”
He stressed that Durov’s detention was a result of an ongoing legal inquiry, saying,
“This is not a political decision in any manner. The courts will make the final decision in this case.”
However, some analysts are still dubious about the timing and specifics of the claims, considering Durov’s well-known position on keeping Telegram free from political influence.
Reiterating that it conforms with EU legislation, particularly the Digital Services Act, Telegram has continuously defended its operations and stated that Durov has “nothing to hide.”
The controversy has garnered international attention, with prominent figures like Elon Musk expressing support for Durov.
Meanwhile, French authorities, particularly the Office for the Fight Against Violence Towards Minors (OFMIN), continue to investigate potential offenses, including cyberbullying, drug trafficking, and fraud, allegedly linked to Telegram’s platform.
In spite of the suspicions and public outcry, Macron reiterated France’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and freedom of expression within a legal framework, concluding that “it is up to the judiciary, in full independence, to enforce the law.”
