Telegram CEO Pavel Durov's Police Custody Expires Today: Will He Be Charged or Released?

Paris: As Telegram CEO Pavel Durov's police custody order expires on Wednesday, French prosecutors will decide whether to charge or release him. Durov was detained on Saturday at Le Bourget airport near Paris as part of an ongoing judicial inquiry into 12 alleged criminal violations, including misuse of his platform for child sexual abuse material, drug trafficking, fraud, aiding organized crime, and non-compliance with information requests from investigators.

Under French law, Durov can be held for up to 96 hours for questioning following his arrest. The Paris prosecutor's office extended his custody order on Monday evening for an additional 48 hours, after which authorities must either release or formally charge him.

His arrest has incited controversy in Russia, where officials have labeled it as politically motivated and indicative of Western double standards on freedom of speech. This reaction is notable given that Russia's attempt to block Telegram in 2018 ended in a failed ban, which was lifted in 2020.

In Iran, where Telegram is popular despite being officially banned, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praised France for its stringent stance against those who "violate your governance" of the internet.

French President Emmanuel Macron clarified that Durov's arrest is part of an independent investigation and not a political move. Macron asserted on X that while France is committed to freedom of expression, it must be exercised within a legal framework to ensure the protection of citizens and their rights.

Telegram responded to the arrest by affirming its adherence to EU laws and industry standards. The company rejected the claim that it or its owner should be held responsible for misuse of the platform, emphasizing its service to nearly a billion users and calling for a swift resolution of the situation.

Durov holds citizenship in Russia, France, the United Arab Emirates, and St. Kitts and Nevis. The UAE Foreign Ministry has requested that France provide Durov with the necessary consular services.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed hope that Durov would receive adequate legal defense and affirmed Moscow's readiness to support him as a Russian citizen, though noting the complexity due to his French citizenship.

Telegram, founded by Durov and his brother, has faced pressure from Russian authorities in the past. In 2013, Durov sold his stake in VKontakte, a major Russian social networking site, amid demands for censorship and user data. He subsequently left Russia, and Telegram has since become a prominent communication tool in Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict.

Despite its pro-privacy stance, Telegram has faced criticism for insufficient content moderation, including a recent $5 million fine in Germany for failing to comply with legal requirements for reporting illegal content and designating an official contact point.