Key Takeaways
- Russia has demanded consular access to Telegram CEO Pavel Durov after his arrest in France.
- The arrest may be tied to Telegram's moderation issues and potential money-laundering charges.
- Industry leaders such as Elon Musk and Vitalik Buterin have expressed support for Durov.
Russian officials are demanding consular access to Telegram founder Pavel Durov after his arrest in France on Saturday. The arrest occurred at Paris’s Le Bourget airport, sparking an angry response from Moscow, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The Russian Embassy in France issued a statement accusing French authorities of avoiding their requests for information about Durov’s detention.
The embassy said:
We immediately requested clarification from the French authorities… and demanded that they ensure the protection of his rights and provide consular access.
Reports have suggested that Durov’s arrest could be linked to Telegram’s lack of moderation, with potential charges ranging from money laundering to facilitating illegal content. French officials are expected to release a statement about the arrest on Monday.
Telegram responded, asserting that the company complies with EU laws, including the Digital Services Act, and that Durov regularly travels in Europe.
Durov’s arrest has drawn support from prominent figures in the industry, such as Elon Musk.
