UAE asks France for access to detained Telegram founder Pavel Durov
The United Arab Emirates has asked France for access to its citizen, Telegram founder Pavel Durov, who was arrested in Paris–Le Bourget Airport on Saturday for cyber crime investigations.
“The UAE has submitted a request to the Government of the French Republic to provide him with all the necessary consular services in an urgent manner,” the foreign ministry said on Tuesday, according to WAM news agency.
The ministry added that “prioritising the welfare of UAE citizens, safeguarding their interests, and providing them with all aspects of support is a key priority for the UAE.”
The Paris prosecutor said later on Tuesday that Durov will remain in police custody for up to 48 hours more to carry on a probe in connection with suspected illicit activities, such as drug trafficking and money laundering, allowed undeterred on his 900-million user messaging app without proper moderation, along with his refusal to let French authorities wiretap suspects.
Born in St Petersburg, Durov is also a citizen of France, Russia and St Kitts and Nevis island.
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The Russian embassy in France has requested access to Durov, while Russian officials have denounced the arrest as politically motivated.
The Kremlin said on Tuesday that the accusations against Durov would be considered an attack on freedom of communication unless supported by rigorous evidence.
But French President Emmanuel Macron denied the arrest of the Telegram founder was a political decision, insisting that his country abides by freedom of expression within the constraints of the rule of law.
“In a state governed by the rule of law, freedoms are upheld within a legal framework, both on social media and in real life, to protect citizens and respect their fundamental rights,” he wrote on X. “It is up to the judiciary, in full independence, to enforce the law.”
Meanwhile, the Dubai-based Telegram denied any wrongdoing by its boss, and said he had “nothing to hide,” and that the company “abides by EU laws, including the Digital Services Act”. The company defended its moderation policies, saying it is “within industry standards and constantly improving”.
“It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform,” a statement added.
Under French law, Durov must either be charged or released by Wednesday evening.
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