Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder and CEO of Telegram, has been charged in France with multiple offenses related to the popular messaging app. Durov, who was arrested at Le Bourget airport near Paris on Saturday, is accused of failing to curb extremist and illegal content on Telegram and is now banned from leaving France.
### Charges and Conditions
Durov, 39, faces several serious charges including:
– Failing to address extremist and illegal content on Telegram.
– Refusing to share requested documents with authorities.
– Allegations involving child pornography, drug trafficking, fraud, and money laundering.
Additionally, Durov is being investigated for “serious acts of violence” towards one of his children, with separate complaints filed in Switzerland.
Following his arrest, Durov was granted conditional release on a bail of five million euros. He is required to report to a police station twice a week and remains under a travel ban within France. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed these details in a statement.
### Durov’s Response and Public Perception
Durov’s lawyer, David-Olivier Kaminski, has dismissed the charges, labeling them as “absurd” and asserting that Telegram complies with European digital technology regulations. Durov himself has rarely made public statements but is known for promoting an ascetic lifestyle.
The timing of Durov’s arrest has prompted speculation. Some view him as a defender of free speech, while others criticize him for allowing Telegram to become a platform for illicit activities. French President Emmanuel Macron has indicated that the arrest was not politically motivated and that the decision is up to the judiciary.
### International and Public Reaction
Durov’s arrest has attracted international attention, including support from tech tycoon Elon Musk, who has used the hashtag #FreePavel on social media. The Kremlin has called for substantial evidence to support the serious charges against Durov.
Durov, who left Russia a decade ago amid a dispute over his previous project, VKontakte, has continued to visit Russia despite his departure. Telegram, now with over 900 million users, has become a significant platform in global discourse, especially amid geopolitical tensions such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
### Investigations and Implications
French judicial authorities first opened an investigation into Telegram’s response to legal requests in February 2024, citing a “near total absence of a response.” The outcome of the ongoing investigation and Durov’s legal battles will likely have significant implications for both Telegram and its founder.
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