Moscow-Paris relations hit new lows following arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov
Tensions between Moscow and Paris have escalated to an all-time low following the arrest of Pavel Durov, the Russian-born CEO of Telegram, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced on Tuesday. This statement comes after French authorities extended Durov’s detention until Wednesday amid an ongoing investigation.
Arrest of dual-national CEO intensifies diplomatic strain
Durov, who holds both Russian and French citizenship, was detained near Paris over the weekend. French prosecutors revealed on Monday that his arrest is part of an investigation into serious allegations, including the distribution of child sexual abuse images, drug trafficking, and fraudulent transactions conducted on the Telegram platform.
The circumstances surrounding Durov’s arrest remain murky, with no clear indication of whether he was aware of the legal threat in France. His French legal representative has not responded to requests for comment.
Diplomatic fallout: Lowest point in recent Moscow-Paris relations
Lavrov’s remarks on Tuesday highlight the significant diplomatic fallout from Durov’s arrest, marking a new low in the already strained relations between Russia and France. The arrest is seen as the culmination of months of deteriorating ties, especially following France’s more assertive stance on the Ukraine conflict. France has accused Russia of attempting to destabilize the country ahead of the Paris Olympics, allegations that Russia has consistently denied.
As of late Monday, a spokesperson for the Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed that Durov’s detention was extended by 48 hours. Under French law, prosecutors must decide whether to formally charge or release him within this period. Should charges be filed, Durov’s dual citizenship and potential flight risk will be considered in any decision on pretrial detention.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated Russia’s readiness to assist Durov, citing his Russian citizenship, though he acknowledged the complexities arising from Durov’s French and UAE citizenships. “The charges are very serious indeed,” Peskov stated. “They require a no less serious basis of evidence. Otherwise, they will be a direct attempt to limit freedom of communication.”
Free speech debate ignited by Durov’s detention
Durov’s arrest has sparked a broader debate over the limits of free speech on digital platforms. Elon Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter), has argued that the right to expression in Europe is increasingly under threat. The arrest also reflects a global trend of governments adopting stricter measures to curb illegal activities on online platforms.
Telegram, with nearly 1 billion users, has emerged as a significant platform for communication, particularly in Russia, Ukraine, and other former Soviet republics. It is recognized for its commitment to free speech but has also become a hub for far-right, anti-vaccine, and conspiracy movements, as well as a vital tool for political dissidents. The platform plays a critical role in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, being used by both sides for sharing war-related news and propaganda.
Without offering evidence, Vyacheslav Volodin, the chairman of Russia’s State Duma, claimed that the United States, through France, is attempting to exert control over Telegram. “Telegram is one of the few and at the same time the largest Internet platforms over which the United States has no influence,” Volodin wrote. “On the eve of the U.S. presidential election, it is important for (President Joe) Biden to take Telegram under control.”
The White House has yet to comment on Durov’s arrest, while French President Emmanuel Macron, a known user of Telegram, emphasized that the arrest was “in no way a political decision.”
Russia has a history of attempts to block Telegram, imposing fines on the company for its refusal to remove content deemed illegal by Russian authorities. The arrest of Durov represents the latest chapter in the ongoing tension between the messaging platform and global governments over issues of regulation and free expression.