The Kremlin expressed its concern on Tuesday regarding the severe allegations France has directed towards Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, interpreting them as an effort to curtail freedom of communication unless substantiated by substantial evidence. Durov, a Russian-born billionaire, was detained in France over the weekend in connection with an investigation into offenses involving child sexual abuse imagery, drug trafficking, and fraudulent activities on the platform, according to French prosecutors on Monday. Reuters has been unable to contact a lawyer for Durov. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov informed reporters during a conference call that Russia is prepared to offer Durov all requisite support due to his Russian citizenship, but noted that his French citizenship adds complexity to the situation. Durov also possesses a UAE passport.
Peskov emphasized, "The accusations are indeed very grave and necessitate an equally robust foundation of evidence. Otherwise, they represent a direct attempt to constrain freedom of communication." Russia has previously attempted, unsuccessfully, to block Telegram and has imposed multiple fines on the company for not removing content deemed illegal by Russian authorities. Peskov suggested that Durov's case might be perceived as an act of intimidation against the leader of a major corporation, casting skepticism on French President Emmanuel Macron's claim that there was no political agenda behind Durov's arrest.
