The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has requested consular services for Telegram CEO Pavel Durov following his arrest in Paris for alleged cybercrimes. France is investigating Durov for enabling illegal activities through Telegram. Russia has similarly sought to protect Durov’s rights, but France has been described as uncooperative. Telegram denies any wrongdoing, defending its moderation practices and compliance with EU laws.
UAE Requests France to Provide Immediate Consular Support for Telegram CEO Pavel Durov
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UAE Seeks Consular Support for Telegram’s CEO Arrested in France
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has requested consular services for Telegram CEO Pavel Durov following his arrest on Saturday in France for cybercrime investigations.
“The UAE is closely following the case of its citizen Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, who was arrested by the French authorities in Paris-Le Bourget Airport,” the UAE’s foreign ministry said in a statement, adding:
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.
On Monday, the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office disclosed that Durov is currently held in police custody as part of an ongoing judicial investigation initiated on July 8. The investigation encompasses serious allegations, including complicity in illegal transactions, child pornography, drug trafficking, and various cybercrimes. Additionally, Durov is accused of providing unauthorized cryptology services. Additionally, Durov allegedly refused to allow French authorities to monitor suspects using the app. Many argued that these accusations could be perceived as an attack on freedom of communication.
Born in Russia, Durov moved to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in 2017, where Telegram’s headquarters are. He became an Emirati citizen in February 2021. He was also naturalized as a French citizen in August 2021, granting him European Union citizenship.
Telegram has denied any wrongdoing by Durov, asserting that he “has nothing to hide” and that the company complies with EU laws, including the Digital Services Act. The platform defended its moderation practices as “within industry standards and constantly improving.” The company further contended, “It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform.” The TON community has also backed Durov.
Russia has also attempted to gain access to Durov. The Russian Foreign Ministry reported that its embassy in France has requested clarification about Durov’s detention, emphasizing that these efforts are intended to protect his rights. However, the ministry mentioned that France has been “uncooperative.” Russian lawmaker Maria Butina condemned the arrest, calling Durov a “political prisoner” and a victim of a “witch-hunt by the West.”
What do you think about the UAE seeking consular services for Telegram CEO Pavel Durov and the international response to his arrest? Let us know in the comments section below.
