UAE Responds to Telegram CEO Pavel Durov’s Detention in France

UAE Monitors Telegram CEO Pavel Durov’s Detention in France

The United Arab Emirates has said it is closely following the case of Telegram messaging app founder and CEO Pavel Durov – an Emirati citizen – following his arrest and initial detention by authorities in France.

The Russian-born Durov, 39, was arrested at Paris-Le Bourget airport in France on Saturday, based on a judicial investigation opened last month into 12 criminal violations of his popular Telegram app, the Paris prosecutor’s office said.

The UAE’s foreign ministry said in a statement early Tuesday that it was “closely following” Duro’s case and had “submitted a request to the French government to urgently provide him with all diplomatic services.”

“Taking care of citizens, protecting their interests, following up on their affairs and providing them with all aspects of care is the top priority of the UAE,” the ministry said in the statement.

Although born in Russia, Durov spent most of his childhood in Italy and is a citizen of the United Arab Emirates, France, Russia and the Caribbean island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis.

In his first public comments on the arrest, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that it was not a political move but part of an independent investigation.

In a social media post, Macron said France was “deeply committed” to freedom of expression but “in social media and in real life freedom is anchored within a legal framework to protect citizens and respect their fundamental rights”.

France and the UAE maintain close military ties, operating a French naval base in Abu Dhabi and Emirati forces using French-built Leclerc tanks and Rafale fighter jets.

Russian government officials have expressed outrage at Duro’s detention, which some say is politically motivated and evidence of the West’s double standards on free speech.

Telegram defended its operations in a statement, saying it complies with EU laws and that its content is “within industry standards and constantly improving”.

Durov, the company added, “has nothing to hide and travels frequently in Europe”.

French media reported that Durov was being held on an arrest warrant for allegedly using his news platform for money laundering, drug trafficking and other crimes.

A French investigative judge extended Dureau’s detention order Sunday night, French media reported, but as of Monday afternoon, he had not been charged and few details were available in the investigation.

Under French law, Durov can be detained pending trial for up to four days. After that, the judges have to decide whether to charge him or acquit him.