The Russian Foreign Ministry has disclosed that its embassy in France has sought clarification on the detention of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov. The embassy stated that it aims to protect his rights, but France has been uncooperative. Durov’s arrest has sparked controversy, with Russian officials labeling him a political prisoner.
Russia Seeks Clarification From France on Telegram CEO Pavel Durov's Arrest
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Russia Seeks Answers on Telegram CEO’s Arrest From France
The Russian Foreign Ministry has revealed that the Russian Embassy in France promptly took action to clarify the circumstances of Telegram founder Pavel Durov’s arrest, even though his representatives had not reached out to them. The ministry stated:
In regards to the information about Durov’s detention, the Russian embassy in France immediately took steps, necessary in such situation, in order to clarify the situation around a Russian citizen, although the businessman’s representatives filed no application.
The embassy stressed that its intention is to “ensure that Durov’s rights are protected and to achieve consular access to him.” However, the embassy noted: “France has been avoiding cooperation on this issue so far.”
The Paris Prosecutor’s Office reported that Durov, arrested on Aug. 24 at Le Bourget airport, had his custody extended for up to 96 hours under French organized crime procedures.
The detention of Durov has been controversial. Telegram responded to the arrest by stating: “Telegram’s CEO Pavel Durov has nothing to hide and travels frequently in Europe … It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform.”
Russian lawmaker Maria Butina criticized the arrest, calling Durov a “political prisoner — a victim of a witch-hunt by the West.” Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev remarked that Durov had misjudged the situation, saying he wanted to be a “brilliant ‘man of the world’ who lives wonderfully without a Motherland.” He opined:
He miscalculated. For all our common enemies now, he is Russian — and therefore unpredictable and dangerous.
What do you think about Telegram founder Pavel Durov’s arrest in France and the reactions it has sparked from Russian officials? Let us know in the comments section below.
