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Telegram founder Pavel Durov was transferred from police custody to a Paris court on Wednesday, August 28, for questioning ahead of a potential indictment, following his arrest at Paris’s Bourget Airport.
French prosecutors revealed that Durov, who had been detained for the maximum 96 hours allowed under French law, is being investigated for a range of serious charges.
These include allegations that his platform, Telegram, was complicit in aiding fraudsters, drug traffickers, and individuals involved in spreading child pornography.
The app’s lack of content moderation has also drawn scrutiny due to its use by terrorist groups and far-right extremists.
Read Also: President Macron Denies Political Motivation in Arrest of Telegram Founder Pavel Durov
The handling of Durov’s case has sparked growing concerns about transparency, as the specifics of the charges and the reasons behind the extended detention have not been fully communicated to the public.
The arrest has also ignited a broader debate over freedom of speech, particularly in Ukraine and Russia, where Telegram is a critical communication tool amidst ongoing conflict.
Durov’s detention and subsequent transfer to court have left many questioning the fairness of the process, with critics arguing that the government’s actions lack transparency and clear communication.
In response to the controversy, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the decision to bring charges against Durov was “in no way political,” a rare comment from a French leader on an active judicial matter.
Despite this assurance, the situation continues to raise eyebrows, as observers remain concerned about the potential implications for one of the world’s most widely used messaging platforms, which boasts over 950 million users globally.
As Durov faces further questioning and a possible indictment, the case has highlighted the importance of transparency and due process in high-profile legal proceedings.
