French authorities have officially indicted Telegram CEO Pavel Durov on all charges related to alleged criminal activities on his messaging platform. The Russia-born tech entrepreneur, who holds citizenship in France, was charged after being detained at Le Bourget airport outside Paris. Following four days of intense questioning, Durov was released but is barred from leaving France while the investigation continues.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed that the judge found sufficient grounds to investigate Durov on all the charges that led to his initial arrest. Among these charges is "complicity in managing an online platform to allow illicit transactions by an organized group." This serious crime could result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of €500,000.
Durov was required to post €5 million in bail and must report to a police station twice a week. The charges against him stem from accusations that Telegram has been used for illegal activities, including the distribution of child sexual abuse material and drug trafficking. The platform allegedly refused to cooperate with law enforcement by withholding critical information needed for investigations.
International and Political Reactions
Durov’s arrest has sparked outrage in Russia, with some government officials condemning it as politically motivated and a violation of freedom of speech. The controversy is particularly notable given that Russian authorities themselves attempted to ban Telegram in 2018, only to retract the ban in 2020.
French President Emmanuel Macron has denied that Durov’s arrest was politically driven, emphasizing that the investigation is independent and that France remains committed to upholding freedom of expression within legal limits. Macron stated that freedoms must be balanced with legal responsibilities to protect citizens' rights, both online and offline.
Telegram’s Response
Following Durov’s arrest, Telegram issued a statement asserting that the platform complies with European Union laws and that its moderation practices are in line with industry standards. The company has vowed to continue improving its content moderation efforts.
Durov, who co-founded Telegram with his brother in 2013, is also a citizen of the United Arab Emirates and St. Kitts and Nevis. The messaging app was created after Durov sold his stake in VKontakte, a popular Russian social network, amid increasing pressure from the Russian government during a crackdown on pro-democracy protests.
The legal battle surrounding Pavel Durov and Telegram is far from over. With serious charges hanging over his head and a travel ban in place, Durov's future—and that of Telegram—remains uncertain. As the investigation unfolds, the tech world will be watching closely to see how this case impacts the broader debate over freedom of speech, privacy, and the responsibilities of digital platforms.
Source: Euronews
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