UAE Urges France to Provide Consular Support for Telegram CEO Pavel Durov

Tuesday 27 August 2024 - 13:00

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has called on France to extend all consular services to Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, who is also an Emirati citizen. This request follows Durov's recent detention in France and the extension of his initial detention period.

Durov, a 39-year-old Russian-born entrepreneur, was arrested on Saturday at Paris-Le Bourget Airport. The detention is linked to a judicial inquiry opened last month, which involves 12 alleged criminal offenses related to his popular messaging app, Telegram, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office.

In response to his detention, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement emphasizing that the care of its citizens is a “top priority.” The ministry stressed its commitment to ensuring that Durov receives all necessary consular support from the French government.

Although Durov was born in Russia, he holds citizenship in the UAE, France, Russia, and the Caribbean island of St Kitts and Nevis. The UAE's involvement highlights its vested interest in the case due to Durov’s Emirati citizenship.

French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the issue publicly, stating that Durov's arrest is part of an independent investigation and not a politically motivated action. Macron assured that France remains committed to freedom of expression, though he noted that such freedoms must be exercised within legal boundaries to safeguard citizens' rights.

France and the UAE have a strong military relationship, with French forces operating a naval base in Abu Dhabi and Emirati forces utilizing French military equipment.

The Russian government has expressed strong objections to Durov’s detention, suggesting it is politically motivated and indicative of Western double standards on freedom of speech.

Telegram has defended its operations, asserting compliance with European Union laws and adherence to industry standards for content moderation. The company also noted that Durov frequently travels across Europe and has nothing to conceal.

According to French media, Durov’s detention was extended by a French investigative judge on Sunday night. As of the latest reports, no formal charges have been filed, and details of the ongoing investigation remain sparse. Under French law, Durov can be held for questioning for up to four days, after which judges must decide whether to charge or release him.