Moscow-Paris relations plummet after Telegram CEO’s arrest in France
Pavel Durov's detention extended amid serious charges, straining Russia-France ties
Relations between Moscow and Paris have hit rock bottom following the arrest of Pavel Durov, the Russian-born CEO of Telegram. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said this on Tuesday after Durov’s detention was extended until Wednesday.
Durov, who holds French and Russian citizenship, was arrested near Paris over the weekend. French prosecutors stated on Monday that the arrest is part of an investigation into child abuse images, drug trafficking, and fraudulent transactions on the platform. His French lawyer has not yet commented.
Lavrov noted that Durov’s arrest has further strained Moscow-Paris ties, which have been deteriorating for months. French authorities have accused Russia of attempts to destabilise the country ahead of the Paris Olympics, a claim Russia denies.
BREAKING: MOSCOW-PARIS RELATIONS PLUMMET AFTER TELEGRAM CEO ARREST
The arrest ignites a fierce debate on free speech, heightening tensions between Russia and France.#FREEDUROV #DigitalResistance #TON pic.twitter.com/2U1XZQNm08
— Daniel💯 (@syniperb) August 27, 2024
On Monday, the Paris prosecutor’s office extended Durov’s detention by 48 hours. After this period, prosecutors must either charge or release him. His flight risk status will influence the decision on possible pretrial detention, as per French law.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia is prepared to assist Durov, considering his Russian citizenship, but his French citizenship complicates the situation. Durov also holds a UAE passport. Peskov emphasised the seriousness of the charges and the need for substantial evidence, warning against attempts to limit freedom of communication.
Durov’s arrest has ignited a debate about online free speech. Elon Musk has claimed that the right to expression in Europe is under attack. Governments globally are increasingly cracking down on illegal activities on platforms like Telegram. Brazil’s supreme court even suspended Telegram nationwide in 2022 for not complying with judicial orders.
With nearly 1 billion users, Telegram holds significant influence in Russia, Ukraine, and former Soviet republics. It positions itself as a free speech haven but is also used by far-right groups, anti-vaxxers, conspiracists, and political dissidents. The platform is essential for battlefield communications in the Ukraine war, used by both sides for news and propaganda.
Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of Russia’s State Duma, claimed without evidence that the U.S., through France, is trying to control Telegram. He suggested this is crucial for President Joe Biden ahead of the U.S. presidential election, noting that Telegram is one of the few platforms not influenced by the U.S.
The White House has not commented on Durov’s arrest. French President Emmanuel Macron, a known user of Telegram, stated that the arrest was not politically motivated. Russia has previously tried and failed to block Telegram and has fined the company for not removing illegal content.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Reuters reports Pavel Durov, Telegram’s CEO, was arrested in France for alleged insufficient moderation facilitating criminal activities on the platform.(read more)
- AOL news reports that the arrest of Telegram boss Pavel Durov in France has strained Russia-France relations, with allegations that the US is behind the arrest, while President Macron insists it is not political.(read more)
- Yahoo News reports that Pavel Durov, the Russian-born Telegram boss, faces extended French custody due to allegations of child sexual exploitation, narcotics trafficking, and fraudulent activities.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why was Telegram boss Pavel Durov arrested?
He was arrested as part of an investigation into crimes related to child sex abuse images, drug trafficking, and fraudulent transactions.
How has Durov’s arrest affected Moscow-Paris relations?
Durov’s arrest has plunged Moscow-Paris ties to their lowest level, capping months of deteriorating relations.
What did Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov say about Durov’s arrest?
Peskov said Russia is ready to assist Durov but noted his French citizenship complicates the situation.
What is the debate surrounding Durov’s arrest?
Durov’s arrest has sparked a debate about online free speech limits, with concerns about government control over communication platforms.
How has Telegram been used in the Russia-Ukraine war?
Telegram is used by both sides to share war-related news and propaganda, becoming crucial for battlefield communications.
