Telegram CEO Durov's Arrest Explained: Macron Insists It's a Legal Matter

Paris, France – French President Emmanuel Macron has dismissed claims that the arrest of Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov was politically motivated, emphasizing that the detention was linked to an ongoing judicial investigation.

Macron's statement, made on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, asserted that the decision was driven solely by legal proceedings, not by political considerations.

"France is more than anything attached to freedom of expression and communication, to innovation and to the spirit of enterprise," Macron stated, reinforcing the country's commitment to the rule of law. He added that "in a state governed by the rule of law, on social networks as in real life, freedoms are exercised within a framework established by law to protect citizens and respect their fundamental rights."

Durov, a Russian national who also holds citizenship in France, the UAE, and Saint Kitts and Nevis, was apprehended by French authorities on August 24 after his private jet landed in Paris. The arrest was reportedly based on a warrant issued by France’s OFMIN, the agency responsible for combating violence against minors.

While the specific charges remain unclear, media reports suggest that the investigation may involve allegations related to fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and terrorism promotion. French media have speculated that Durov's refusal to moderate content on Telegram, which is alleged to have been exploited by criminals, could be at the center of the investigation.

In response, Telegram has maintained that it fully complies with EU laws and content-moderation requirements, calling it "absurd" to hold Durov personally accountable for any misuse of the platform by bad actors.

The case continues to draw attention as it raises questions about the intersection of digital freedom, regulation, and the responsibilities of tech platforms in the modern world.